BOLTON MP Dr Brian Iddon, has backed new anti-racism rules in the hope of encouraging more black and Asian spectators to the Reebok Stadium.

Dr Iddon said that the tough new rules, proposed by the Government's Football Task Force, could help tackle racism in football at grass roots level in Bolton, as well as at Premiership grounds. He was enthusiastic about the widespread impact of the new proposals on the game at "park level."

But the Bolton South East MP would like to see Bolton Council put up anti-racism messages in their park dressing rooms.

He believes that any clubs found guilty of racist behaviour from players or supporters should be excluded from local authority soccer pitches.

Dr Iddon said: "I also want the local FA to take a tough line, including expelling Saturday and Sunday League clubs found guilty of racism.

He added that the intolerance of racism should run throughout any club from top to bottom.

He said: "Great strides have been taken to kick racism out of soccer but there are still problems.

"The rules need to cover club management, referees, players and supporters.

A Bolton Wanderers fan, Dr Iddon has welcomed the suggestion that, under the new rules, employment contracts would include clauses covering racist behaviour.

He said: "Players and staff at football clubs will face tough new penalties if they are found guilty of racist behaviour."

Dr Iddon is urging Bolton to back these measures and play their part in preventing further racism.

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