FOOTBALLERS are looked up to by many youngsters as role models - and this is not always a good thing.

Yes, they earn a lot of money and their athleticism, fitness, skill and ability to perform at the very top of their field is to be admired.

Unfortunately though, their behaviour is not always what it should be and certainly not anything youngsters should be copying.

Recently there have been several accusations of racism levelled at top players and supporters of certain clubs. This is not something there is a place for at any level of the game, but it appears to have crept into junior football.

The Bolton, Bury and District Junior Football League is investigating claims that players have suffered racist abuse in under-12s matches.

Quite rightly, the league has immediately warned clubs that it will not tolerate any kind of racism.

If proved, the individuals concerned need to be not only reprimanded but educated as to why their behaviour is wrong. Only by cutting out racism at a young age will we stop it spreading throughout the game.