Ekdal's call for racism: "Leave the plan or take it harder"

Only in recent months have dark-skinned footballers received racist hopes from the stands.

When Inters Romelu Lukaku scored from the penalty spot away against Cagliari in early September, the home fan replied with the appeal against the Belgian striker.

Lukaku went out after the match and condemned the hopes. Inters own Curva Nord replied to Lukaku, saying that the applet is not racism at all.

English duo Raheem Sterling and Chelsea player Tammy Abraham have also experienced racism up close. Abraham told yesterday that England players in the upcoming away meetings with the Czech Republic and Bulgaria in the European Championship qualification are ready to leave the pitch if any player is exposed.

Albin Ekdal, everyday in Sampdoria in Serie A, has followed the debate.

- Racism is there, whether you want it or not on the stand. We have heard several examples of this during the season. It is clearly reprehensible and it is perfectly right in that case to leave the plan. It is something we must overcome and it must stop. It is a disaster to shout out loud words to dark-skinned players. We must all take a stand. So leave the pitch or give even tougher penalties if that's what is needed.

You are great role models. Do you agree that you could take even more responsibility?

- As an individual it is difficult to take responsibility, but if the whole team goes off the pitch or if the clubs shut down every one who screams and is a racist, it would have an effect. It may be too soft, it may not be the harder time needed for it to end.