Yaya Toure calls on Fifa and Uefa to take stronger action in fight against racism

The former Man City star does not believe fines and stadium closures are enough of a deterrent 

Jack Rathborn
Tuesday 02 April 2019 15:07 BST
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Pep Guardiola on Yaya Toure's time at Manchester City

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Yaya Toure has called on Fifa and Uefa to take stronger action in the fight against racism.

England players suffered racist abuse during their Euro 2020 qualifier against Montenegro in Podgorica.

And the former Manchester City star believes more must be done, insisting fines and stadium closures are not sufficient.

"I think it's FIFA and UEFA have to do something stronger," said Toure.

"They have to give a strong message, maybe to the clubs, or maybe to the fans, because we've been seeing recently these kinds of clubs like CSKA Moscow, or teams in Russia.

"Fans have been banned for I don't know how many games or maybe how many months.

"I don't know, but it's still not working. This surprises me."

After being subjected to racist abuse himself during City's Champions League with CSKA Moscow in 2013, Yaya admits he attempted to ignore the abuse.

"[I have experienced it] A lot, a lot," Toure added. "If I can say that, in Belgium, in Russia, and sometimes when we have to travel with the team and play in... maybe in Italy, in the past.

Yaya Toure was tougher action against racism (Getty)
Yaya Toure was tougher action against racism (Getty) (Getty Images)

"It's happening. But mentally, I'm very strong. I know what I can do, because in that time, you can say 'OK, I will try to ignore [it], they are stupid, they don't understand'.

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