AFTER hearing Mido subjected to Islamophobic chants during Saturday’s Tees-Tyne derby Gareth Southgate’s view was that ‘‘we have to rise above it.”

But anti-racism campaigners Kick It Out have called for stern action after the Egypt international striker was targeted by Newcastle fans as he warmed up in Saturday’s goalless draw at the Riverside Stadium.

It was a repeat of the abuse Mido suffered during the same fixture a year ago but on that occasion a Football Association investigation failed to identify the culprits and impose any banning orders.

Both clubs were encouraged to take steps to avoid a repeat and in October, Middlesbrough and Newcastle helped launch a DVD for the Show Racism the Red Card charity, titled Islamophobia.

Kick It Out director Piara Powar believes the Football Association need to act strongly this time.

He said: ‘‘This is the second consecutive season that we’ve seen Newcastle supporters directing Islamophobic abuse at Mido. This time both the FA and the police should act.

‘‘It’s time a message went out loud and clear to Newcastle fans that calling a Muslim a terrorist, a shoe bomber, or whatever else they think is funny this week, is against the law and can have serious implications for them personally and the club they support.’’ The FA confirmed that they would be investigating the incident.

A spokesman said: ‘‘Our position on these matters always is that any individuals who are identified and found guilty of discriminatory chanting, we will be calling for them to be banned.

‘‘The responsibility lies with the police and the clubs to identify individuals responsible.

We’ll be liaising with them to make sure that happens.’’ Cleveland Police have confirmed 14 arrests were made at the fixture, 11 of which were inside the stadium.

However, they have not said whether any were related to offensive chanting.

Southgate said after the game that while he wanted the perpetrators brought to justice he did not believe a club should be punished.

“If people want to shout those things it’s a reflection on them. There’s a danger we go on a witch hunt. What do you do? Punish the club?

‘‘They can’t do anything about their travelling fans.

It’s individual decisions to sing what they want. I don’t think that’s fair. How can a club the size of Newcastle control individuals?’’ he said.

‘‘It’s a sensitive one and I understand the importance, but I don’t want to put the pressure on an excellent club like Newcastle.’’ A spokesman for Newcastle added: ‘‘The club does not condone any sort of offensive chanting.’’ ■ There’s an opportunity to get Christmas gifts from the MFC Official retail stores signed by Stewart Downing and Ross Turnbull from 4 to 5pm today.

The Boro stars will hold a signing session at the club store in Captain Cook Square, Middlesbrough.

Gary Pallister will be signing copies of his autobiography Pally in the town centre store 4pm-6pm on Thursday.

Supporters with official MFC merchandise will be given first priority at both events.

And Boro are offering free shirt printing on away replica tops purchased throughout December.

The offer includes any name, number and Premier League patches. The offer is available from the MFC Official retail stores at the stadium and in Captain Cook Square and online at www.mfcofficialdirect.co.uk.

Replica shirts are priced £35-£40 for adult sizes and £26-£30 in children’s sizes.