Boris Johnson is open to launching Government-led inquiry into racism in football to stop vile abuse

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BORIS Johnson has opened the door to launching a Government-led inquiry into racism in football next year after slamming the abuse witnessed at the Tottenham v Chelsea match on Sunday.

The PMs official spokesman piled pressure on football authorities by saying the Government will be monitoring their response and would be ready to take further steps if required.

Boris Johnson has opened the door to a Government-led inquiry into racism in football” width=”640″ height=”960″ />

Boris Johnson has opened the door to a Government-led inquiry into racism in football

The Sports Minister Nigel Adams met Tottenham directors for emergency talks yesterday after Sundays game was marred by racial abuse directed at Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger.

But No10 refused to be drawn on comments by pundit Gary Neville, who said Mr Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn were partly to blame for the spike in racism in football due to their own records on the subject.

Asked for Mr Johnson’s response to the accusation, the PM’s spokesman said: “Racism is abhorrent and there is no place in it in public life.”

The spokesman said: “Racism of any kind has no place in football or anywhere else and we must confront this vile behaviour.

“Clearly there remains more work to be done by the football authorities in tackling this issue and we are committed to working with them on this to stamp it out.

“The FA, Premier League and English Football League have significantly stepped up their efforts, but we expect them to continue to prioritise this issue and to consult with both players and supporter groups, and we will be monitoring how the football authorities implement their plans through the season.

The PM’s spokesman didn’t rule out holding a government inquiry if they fail to make progress, saying: “We will continue working with the authorities on this, including the Professional Footballers’ Association and we don’t rule out taking further steps if required.”

Antonio Rudiger claims he was racially abused by a Spurs fan

The Government will be monitoring the situation and would be ready to take further steps ‘if required’ to stop the ‘vile abuse’