Caborn: Demanding action

The government has reacted furiously to racist chanting directed at England's black footballers during a "friendly" match in Madrid.

Minister for Europe Denis McShane demanded a "forthright apology" while Number 10 said the prime minister was "very disappointed with what happened last night in Spain".

Sections of the Spanish crowd taunted players Ashley Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips during England's 1-0 defeat.

On Tuesday England's black Under-21 players were also the target of racist insults.

Sports minister Richard Caborn condemned the behaviour, saying he was "absolutely appalled" by the behaviour.

He called on football governing bodies Fifa and Uefa to investigate the abuse.

Caborn said: "I was absolutely appalled by the reaction of the crowd and I will be writing to the Spanish sports minister to express my outrage at their behaviour.

"I would like to see him ask the Spanish FA to condemn the scenes we witnessed tonight in the Bernabeu."

Action

On Thursday morning McShane rang the Spanish Europe minister to inform him the government was seeking action.

"I spoke to my opposite number, the Spanish minister for Europe this morning, and said there was outrage across Britain at the racist chants at yesterday's football match," said McShane.

"I told him that our minister of sport, with full backing of every MP and every football fan, would be contacting Spain's sports minister and said I hope there would be the most forthright apology from those responsible for football in Spain.

"My opposite number told me that any racism in football was unacceptable.

"I also expect Fifa and Uefa to fully investigate the issue.

"There is no place for racism in football or modern society and I strongly believe that action needs to be taken at the highest level."

Before the game Spain's coach Luis Aragones was caught on camera racially abusing Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry.

Number 10 said on Thursday the prime minister "believes racism has no place in sport".

"We have made real progress in kicking racism out of British football," added the spokesman.