FA vow to take action

4th December 2008

The Football Association have vowed to "take the strongest possible action" against anyone found guilty of Islamophobic or racist chanting against Middlesbrough striker Mido.

The Egyptian striker was targeted by Newcastle fans as he warmed up in the Tees-Tyne derby at the Riverside Stadium last weekend, and has called on the game's governing body to take stern measures.

Mido suffered similar abuse during Newcastle's last visit to Boro a year ago - but an FA investigation then did not result in any banning orders due to difficulties in identifying culprits, which the player feels contributed to a repeat this season.

However, the FA insist that, with the help of both clubs, everything is being done to single out any guilty supporters and sanctions will be imposed where possible.

"We condemn any racist or Islamophobic behaviour and are committed to working with our clubs and the police to stamp it out," a spokesman for the FA said. "We have an on-going investigation into the incidents on Saturday and are awaiting reports from Middlesbrough and Newcastle United.

"As always, the priority is to identify the individuals involved and take the strongest possible action against them. We fully support banning orders for anyone convicted of racist chanting."

 Cooper hails Hull coaching team
 Mido blames FA for Islamophobic abuse
 Pogatetz in fitness battle
 Arca looking for consistency
 Southgate: Goals a team responsibility
 FA to investigate Islamophobic abuse
 Boro at home to Barrow
 Viduka return shocked me - boss
Arsenal & Aston Villa in Battle for Belgian International Wonderkid: Spurs, Newcastle, Boro, Portsmouth, Blackburn & Sunderland all Tracking Playmaker
After beating Arsenal last weekend, Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill will be aiming to get the better of Arsene Wenger once again with the signing of Belgian starlet Steven Defour in January. The two clubs look set to enter a bidding war for the young playmaker though they may well ...
Arsenal Lead Chase for Wolves £6M Prodigy: Everton, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough & Newcastle Also in Chase
Wolves Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey is reportedly drawing interest from a number of Premier League clubs with Arsenal leading the chase. However, the Gunners are not alone in their admiration for the Welsh stopper with Everton, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Middlesbrough also thought to be monitoring his progress.

3:00, Sat 6th Dec
Hull	v	Middlesboro
12:45, Sat 13th Dec
Middlesboro	v	Arsenal
3:00, Sat 20th Dec
Fulham	v	Middlesboro
3:00, Fri 26th Dec
Middlesboro	v	Everton
8:00, Mon 29th Dec
Man Utd	v	Middlesboro

3:00, Sat 29th Nov
Middlesboro	0	v	0	Newcastle
3:00, Sat 22nd Nov
Middlesboro	1	v	3	Bolton
1:30, Sun 16th Nov
Everton	1	v	1	Middlesboro
3:00, Sun 9th Nov
Aston Villa	1	v	2	Middlesboro
3:00, Sat 1st Nov
Middlesboro	1	v	1	West Ham