Chelsea manager Rosenior insists racists have no role in football

Liam Rosenior, head coach at Chelsea, declared that anyone convicted of racism in football ought to be excluded from the sport, following reports of racial abuse directed at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior in a Champions League encounter.

The Tuesday fixture between Real Madrid and Benfica was halted for ten minutes when Vinicius alerted the referee that Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni had insulted him by calling him a monkey during a heated exchange.

The Argentine player, who shielded his mouth with his hand amid the row after Vinicius celebrated a goal with a dance towards the Benfica crowd in the first leg of the knockout play-off, rejects the accusation.

UEFA, the body overseeing European football, confirmed on Wednesday that it would examine claims of discriminatory conduct, noting that the Brazilian forward has endured ongoing racist incidents since his 2018 arrival at Real Madrid.

Rosenior refrained from specifics on the matter but pressed football leaders to intensify measures against racism.

Its distressing, he remarked on Thursday. Context is important here. I do believe that racism in any form within society is intolerable. I cannot discuss an ongoing investigation.

What matters is that when a player appears as distressed as Vinicius Junior did, there is usually a valid cause. I have experienced racial abuse personally.

As someone of mixed heritage, Rosenior continued: If coaches, players, or managers are proven guilty of racism, they have no place in the sport. That is straightforward for me.

In June 2020, soon after a police officer murdered George Floyd in Minneapolis, an incident that fuelled the international Black Lives Matter campaign, Rosenior addressed an open letter to US President Donald Trump.

Within it, he depicted America as an unjust, corrupt, and deeply biased society, tied to a longstanding tradition of racial prejudice.

During Chelseas FA Cup tie at Hull last week, the local fans aimed homophobic chants at the visiting supporters.

Ahead of Saturdays Premier League home clash with Burnley, Rosenior stated: Numerous aspects of society require reform. There is considerable division. Media figures often form biased opinions about individuals based on their sexual orientation, nationality, religion, or skin colour.

It truly revolts me. This extends beyond football into broader discussions. Greater accountability is essential from social media users and the press to eradicate such issues.