Football FanCast columnist Joe Jennings looks into the age old debate about racism in football and feels it time the authorities impose greater sanctions.

Racism is the belief in the superiority of a race, religion or ethnic group. It is most commonly expressed through less favourable treatment, insulting words or practices which cause disadvantage.

It lingers at football grounds not only within Britain but throughout Europe and it will sadly continue, unless bromidic "regulations" are dispelled and proper punishments are installed.

Yes, you guessed it, the hushed topic that is racism. Although the problem appears largely confined to Eastern Europe, where racism remains a deep-rooted malaise pathetically ignored by the authorities, it is still a significant issue yet to be tackled sufficiently.

Personally, I have witnessed, first hand, mindless idiots spout racist remarks not only to opposition players but in frustration at players they supposedly "support". It is not just a regional issue, it is wide scale, and it persists embarrassingly throughout Europe.

I find it remarkable that certain "fans" are not ejected when muttering the pathetic platitudes. We have fans ejected for enticing the enemy, yet racism proves merely a cautionable match going offence?

Areas of exclusion are prominent, the distinct lack of Asian footballers within the Premier League for example. Perhaps some will argue "they are simply not good enough". If such are metaphorically blind, then sadly we can excuse them.

Lifelong bans may just tilt the balance for those found guilty. Although specific attitudes may never unfortunately change, we can hope that it will reach a stage where that racism diminishes within football stadiums.

White players are no different to black players, they are equal, the same. We all know that black and white are the same, not only as professional footballers, but as human beings.

"What can you do about it" seems the typical, laissez faire approach adopted by many. Well how about point deductions, transfer embargos? Although extreme to some, maybe then fans will get the message. Surely they will not risk spouting rubbish that could prove detrimental to the club they "Love"?

The authorities must ensure that stewards enforce the law, namely; eviction from the ground for racial abuse, which I've unfortunately seen go unpunished. Pro-activeness among clubs would be good also- for example, clubs often feel that 'their fans don't have a problem'

Undoubtedly, football, and sport overall has the power to change the world, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does, so how about uniting on the racism front?