Kick It Out to launch survey

The biggest ever fans' survey on tackling racism and discrimination in football is set to be launched.

Kick It Out, football's anti-discrimination organisation, is launching the consultation with supporters ahead of their annual 'One Game, One Community' programme which starts tomorrow.

The survey comes after a troubled year for English football, which saw Luis Suarez and John Terry both banned for racist abuse and a number of players and former players targeted by racists via social media.

Lord Herman Ouseley, chair of Kick It Out, said: "At a time when discrimination is high up the football agenda, it is easy for fans and players to forget the great strides made over the last 20 years in helping to eradicate it.

"But there is still a long way to go. We are launching this important dialogue with football fans to help set out how we move forward to achieve a zero tolerance approach to discrimination in all its forms, at all levels of the game.

"The One Game, One Community weeks of action provide a focal point for everyone connected to football, from supporters to players, to stand up against discrimination in all its forms."

Kick It Out hope the findings of the fan consultation will help form a blueprint for tackling discrimination over future seasons. The survey will run all season and cover topics including how to improve reporting of abusive behaviour and enforcement in grounds, to combating abusive behaviour on social media.

Kick It Out will also speak to players to canvass their opinions.

Professional Footballers' Association chairman Clarke Carlisle welcomed the move, saying: "The responsible majority of fans in this country are on board with stamping out discrimination and want more to be done.

"They are a powerful voice in football and this survey gives them a chance to have their say. We want to make sure we tackle the tiny minority for whom the healthy rivalries and passion that make the game great tip over into unacceptable prejudice and hatred."