Hugh Robertson: 'Racism issue is not irreparable'

By Danielle Joynson, Staff ReporterPublished: 13 February 2012 9:45 AM

Sports Minister Hugh Robertson thinks that football can overcome their "tarnished" reputation following two high profile racism incidents.

Sports Minister Hugh Robertson believes that the "tarnished" reputation of football following racism incidents involving Premier League stars Luis Suarez, Patrice Evra, John Terry and Anton Ferdinand can be repaired.

It appears that the racism controversy surrounding Liverpool and Manchester United is beginning to be left behind following an apology from Reds striker Luis Suarez for refusing to shake hands with Evra ahead of United's 2-1 win over Liverpool on Saturday.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish also apologised for his heated post-match defence of the Uruguayan international, while the Merseyside club released a statement condemning Suarez for his actions.

The Premier League champions later accepted their rivals' apology and urged everyone to move on from the issue that has marred the two clubs in recent months.

"I think the image of the game has been tarnished, but I don't think it's irreparable," Robertson told Sky Sports News. "This has been a bad season for this sort of thing, but it shouldn't for a moment obscure the enormous amount of good work and progress over the past 20 years.

"What we need to make sure of is that this doesn't mark a regression. My gut feeling is that it doesn't, certainly not on the pitch, but there is an issue that still needs to be tackled.

"It goes beyond racism, you hear vile chanting about managers and opposition players. I don't think that really has any place in modern society - if we don't accept on the high street, I see no reason why we should accept it in a football crowd."

Meanwhile, Chelsea captain Terry will stand trial over allegations of racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand on July 9.