TWO men have been arrested over alleged racist chanting against Middlesbrough footballer Mido.
The Egyptian striker was targeted by Newcastle fans as he warmed up in the Tees- Tyne derby at the Riverside Stadium last weekend, and has called on the game’s governing body to take stern measures.
Mido suffered similar abuse during Newcastle’s last visit to Boro a year ago, but an FA investigation then did not result in any banning orders due to difficulties in identifying culprits.
However, two men, aged 49 and 23, have been arrested and will appear ar Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with racial chanting.
A Middlesbrough FC spokesman said: ‘‘The club has a very strong anti-racism stance. It adopts a zero-tolerance attitude towards racism and, working with the police, we will not hesitate to ban supporters identified as directing racial abuse against players or other fans, as we have in the past.
‘‘Middlesbrough police have confirmed that two individuals were arrested at the game for racial chanting and have been given a court date.’’ The FA earlier insisted that, with the help of both clubs, everything was being done to single out any guilty supporters and sanctions would be imposed where possible.
“We condemn any racist or Islamophobic behaviour and are committed to working with our clubs and the police to stamp it out,” an FA spokesman said. ‘‘We are awaiting reports from Middlesbrough and Newcastle.”
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