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Chris Knight

'Why not dissolve the club?' - Former Newcastle United star's 'drastic' answer to racism in football

Former Newcastle United defender Olivier Bernard believes football clubs found guilty of multiple instances of racism should be dissolved.

England's Euro 2020 qualifier victory in Montenegro on Monday night was Show Racism the Red Card school visits cancelled - but they say they're needed 'more than ever' from the home crowd.

The abuse directed at Danny Rose and Raheem Sterling in the closing stages in Pogdorica marred the Three Lions' comfortable 5-1 win.

Uefa has confirmed disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Montenegro, and the ugly scenes have prompted debate on how best to combat discrimination in the sport.

Raheem Sterling (Getty Images)

Frenchman Olivier Bernard , who represented the Magpies from 2000 to 2005, believes one "drastic" solution at a domestic level would be to punish supporters by dissolving their beloved club.

Speaking on Sky News on Tuesday, he said: "I think the club should be taking responsibility for it. Yes, I believe there should be points deducted.

Newcastle United star Miguel Almiron sent off for Paraguay after horror challenge against Mexico  

"I believe there should be if it's happening more than once throughout the season, why not dissolve the club?

"That's drastic, that's me being very extreme. But until we do something to hurt people, I believe we will still be with racism.

"A lot of people don't understand what is racism."

England manager Gareth Southgate immediately denounced the chanting as "unacceptable" after the game, confirming the Football Association would be lodging a complaint with Uefa.

Sterling cupped his ears to the home support after scoring England's fifth, and later called for tougher measures such as stadium bans to be implemented as a deterrent.

Show Racism the Red Card school visits cancelled - but they say they're needed 'more than ever'

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