RSGOLD-RUNESCAPEGOLD

The Swiss will counter that their supporters are civilised and well behaved. Quite apart from bad segregation, actually non-existent in some areas, the exits were dangerous, with spectators herded into fenced-off bottlenecks because only one person was on duty to check tickets Those exits, too, were only dimly lit. The Minister for Sport, Tony Banks, has already promised, however, that the government has the will to enforce the Task Force's proposals for the game should it deem them desirable.Rather than be led, though, it could just be that the English game, through willingness to adopt the ideas of clauses in contracts and instant red cards for on-field racist abuse, might even lead the way in the world.A VISIT to Berne in midweek confirmed how fortunate we were to have had the late Lord Justice Taylor and his far- sighted recommendations about improving the safety of stadiums in this country.The Wankdorf Stadium seemed not to have changed since the 1954 World Cup and would certainly not pass a safety inspection over here. Non-white people make up 7.3 per cent of England's population - 3.5 million people - but only one per cent of Premiership crowds. "The resurgence of racist incidents or alleged racist comments makes this report a timely one," says Mellor.

"Our main concern is to propose practical measures to stamp out racism wherever it may occur, not just on the pitch or on the terraces but in boardrooms and bootrooms as well."Some of the recommendations are likely to encounter opposition simply on practical grounds and the co-operation of the PFA and governing bodies will be needed. This is considerable potential talent being lost.In addition, the report says that if a more welcoming atmosphere were encouraged at professional grounds, crowds and revenue would increase. An Asian player has still to break into top-flight football, it points out, even though the Asian community makes up 3.5 per cent of the population. Commitment to tackling racism must extend from the game's grass-roots," it says. The Task Force, who arechaired by David Mellor and comprise people from the various sectors of the game including Graham Kelly, the FA's chief executive, and the black referee Uriah Rennie, have been shocked, I understand, by some of the evidence they have heard around the country over the last few months. Black and Asian players, they have found, are still subjected to serious abuse and even violence on parks pitches in some areas.The FTF's report also makes clear that as well as being morally unacceptable, racism is short-sightedly detrimental to the well-being and prosperity of the game. "Zero tolerance of racism in all forms at all levels of the game. It is the first of seven being compiled over the next 12 months and covering such issues as facilities for the disabled, supporter involvement in the running of clubs and the growing commercialisation in the game in the shape of ticket prices and merchandising.

The report, Eliminating Racism from Football, has what it describes as a "simple and uncompromising" message. The Task Force also want referees to show an instant red card for incidents of racist abuse on the pitch. The measures, Libero can reveal, are just two of a series of proposals by the FTF to the Government, by whom the Force were established, contained in a report that will be published tomorrow at the FA headquarters in Lancaster Gate. Players need to be pushed for their place."Yesterday: Reading lose 1-0 at Ipswich, with two players sent off - both formerly of Ipswich..