A CRACKDOWN on racism at football matches in England and Wales was launched at the weekend.

The Association of Chief Police Officers said officers had been told to arrest and charge offenders, and pursue banning orders wherever possible.

They will use security cameras to identify those involved in racist chanting.

Last season, there were 69 arrests for racial language, which the association's football spokesman, Durham Constabulary assistant chief constable Ron Hogg, described as "ludicrously low".

This season, both Newcastle United and Sunderland AFC have campaigned against racism in football.

The latest initiative is not in response to any particular upsurge, said Mr Hogg.

Around the country there have been high-profile arrests, announcements over the tannoy system as to why people have been arrested and publicity in match programmes.

However, there is a need for a more co-ordinated approach, according to senior officers.

They believe that black and Asian people are under-represented among supporters and plan to apply the new initiative to the end of this season, to see what impact it can have.

The campaign is supported by the Football Association, the FA Premier League and the Football League.

Supporters are being urged to report incidents to the Kick It Out anti-racism confidential hotline, on 0800 169 9414.