Report Urges More Action to Combat Racism in Football

Football authorities need to do more to combat racism in the British game and urge candidates from ethnic backgrounds to apply for prominent roles in the sport, a government report said Wednesday.

The report, published by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, criticized clubs for lacking a transparent way of reporting incidents of racist behavior at the same time as praising the improvement in atmosphere at matches compared to the 1970s and '80s.

"Much has been done to improve the atmosphere and behavior at football matches and it has become a much more family-friendly activity," said lawmaker John Whittingdale, chair of the committee. "However, recent incidents of racist abuse in the UK, both on and off the pitch, have highlighted the fact that there remain significant problems."

High-profile racism cases involving Chelsea defender John Terry and Liverpool striker Luis Suarez blighted English football last season.

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said Tuesday that shouldn't obscure the positive work that has taken place over the past two decades.

"English football has been very good in challenging these issues," Ferguson said. "Last year was a bad year for the sport, but hopefully we get back to normal.

"One bad year doesn't cast the game in doubt as far as I am concerned. I am sure it will be brushed aside and we will go back to normal."