Spanish FA criticised for "relaxed" response to racism

The head of Spain's Sports Council (CSD) has criticised the national football federation's (RFEF) response to the incidents of racist abuse that occured in the friendly between Spain and England.

Rafael Blanco, director general of the government-run CSD, said that there had been a "certain relaxation" on the part of the RFEF but expected them to take action over the incidents and over the behaviour of national team coach Luis Aragones.

"Some people have tried to minimise the incidents," Blanco told Spanish television station Telemadrid on Thursday.

"But what happened is intolerable in a modern and democratic state like Spain and has had a damaging effect on Spain's image in the world and on Madrid's bid for the 2012 Olympics."

Last month's friendly international between Spain and England was marred by racist abuse and chants aimed at visiting black players by large sections of the crowd at the Bernabeu.

The run-up to the match had been marked by controversy after Aragones confronted British journalists who had questioned him over his apparent racist reference to French striker Thierry Henry.

"Aragones's declarations were ill-advised, incorrect and inopportune," said Blanco. "He has recognised that and now it is up to the Federation to take action."

"We will be monitoring the situation closely and will be asking the Federation to get involved."

Blanco said that the CSD itself would be introducing tougher measures to deal with incidents of racism that occurred in football matches.

Spanish media reported on Thursday that Angel Maria Villar Llona, who was re-elected as RFEF president for a fifth consecutive term last week, has been called before the country's Anti-violence Commission to explain what measures he planned to take.