Soccer team has had enough BRETT STUBBS | June 28, 2011 12.01am

RACISM in Tasmanian soccer is threatening to drive some African players interstate as the sport investigates a weekend brawl where police were called to intervene.

The clash between Metro and Hobart United in Southern League One at North Chigwell was abandoned with Metro leading 3-1 after players and spectators started brawling.

Yesterday striker Juma Barabara from Hobart United, a team made up largely of Sudanese and Congolese players, said racism was rife within the sport.

"In soccer, it always happens," Barabara, 27, said.

"Once I get the ball, people call me anything. I try to ignore that and keep playing my soccer. It is hard for me and I don't know what to do.

"I have nearly moved to Melbourne or Perth because of this thing happening all the time.

"We are being treated differently than the other teams."

Barabara said Hobart United received seven yellow and two red cards during the match, compared to one yellow card for Metro.

A Tasmania Police spokesperson said there had been no arrests at the game.

"Police attended and assisted with the safe departure of Hobart United players and officials. According to the attending police there was no indication the disturbance was racially motivated," the spokesperson said.

Football Federation Tasmania chief executive John Boulous has promised to crack down on violent and anti-social behaviour at matches. This was the second incident in two weeks.

The Glenorchy Knights-Beachside match on June 17 was called off as tensions threatened to boil over after a Knights spectator allegedly racially abused a Beachside player.

"The FFT will not tolerate violent or anti-social behaviour in our game," Boulous said.

"We view incidents like this as extremely serious, which damage the positive reputation of our game and the many clubs, players and coaches that uphold the values of football."

Boulous defended recent incidents as rare last week, but following the outburst of violence at North Chigwell, the federation is aiming to apply firm sanctions.

"Clubs, players and spectators that are found guilty of violent or anti-social behaviour can expect lengthy suspensions and hefty fines, the behaviour will not be tolerated," he said.

"FFT does not condone violence or anti-social behaviour at any games and will take the appropriate action after a full review into the latest incident."

Boulous said FFT would work co-operatively with the clubs, police and match officials to determine the penalties to be applied to the individuals and clubs involved in the melee at Metro.

A Metro reserves player recently received a five-match ban for racial abuse, while Boulous said the outcome of the Knights and Beachside clash would be heard very shortly.


http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2011/06/28/241191_soccer.html