Former England and Manchester United star Wayne Rooney has shared a moment from his time managing DC United in Major League Soccer, where a player, devastated by racial abuse, broke down in tears in his arms.
Speaking on his new BBC podcast cited by PUNCH Online on Tuesday, Rooney passionately called for robust anti-racism education campaigns and stricter punishments for clubs to combat racism in football.
“I had it in DC with one of my players who got racially abused, and he was crying on my chest. I was holding him as he was crying on my chest,” he said on the Wayne Rooney Show.
The issue hit the spotlight again after Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo reported racial abuse from a spectator during a 4-2 loss to Liverpool in the Premier League’s opening match on Friday.
Rooney emphasised the need for severe sanctions, like points deductions or hefty fines, to hold clubs accountable and deter future incidents, alongside widespread education, to address ignorance across generations.
“There needs to be a strong campaign for society – for children, parents, and grandparents – to be educated.
“You have to hit the clubs because that’s the only way it will stop. If there is ignorance, the fans will still do it.
“You have to hit the clubs by taking off points or hit them in the pocket and take money away from them. Otherwise, it will keep on going.
“Hopefully, the right people sit down with the right organisations to try and get something serious in place.”
Friday’s Premier League opener at Anfield was temporarily halted in the 29th minute after Semenyo reported the abuse to the referee.
A 47-year-old man from Liverpool, who was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence, has been banned from every football stadium in the UK and conditionally bailed.
Rooney added that anti-discrimination education for all ages is essential, but also wants to see stronger sanctions for clubs.
“I don’t think people realise – they say it as a throwaway line that they think has no meaning behind it, but it hurts people. For people to see that and understand, there has to be more done to stop it.”
The Football Association, according to rule E20.1, has the power to impose financial penalties or a stadium closure (whether partial or full) on clubs deemed not to have acted upon reports of racist abuse.
In 2023, League Two club Gillingham was fined £12,500 by the FA for three counts of misconduct following racist and sexist abuse by their supporters.
