FIFA forcing English clubs use new 'anti-racist gesture' that will infuriate West Ham fans
FIFA will force English clubs to adopt new anti-racism protocols, which will demand players and officials into new actions.
It was revealed earlier this year that FIFA were floating the idea of having players and officials make an 'X' gesture if they experienced or witnessed racism during matches.
However, it is the same gesture that West Ham have largely adopted over the years as their own means of celebration.
Players have also taken to it sometimes when they score while the club also use the gesture when they sign stars, with it seen largely across their social media platforms.
FIFA have demanded that the 'X' gesture be used to report racism
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It has been named the 'Irons' gesture, due to its similarity with the West Ham badge of two hammers crossed over one another.
But FIFA have now taken their measures a step further by writing to the FA to demand that the 'X' gesture become mandatory at all levels to combat racism.
The letter, as relayed by i, stated: “Each member association is asked to distribute the three-step procedure accordingly within their respective countries to all affected stakeholders including match officials, competition organisers, teams, players and any other relevant parties, reminding them of the mandatory implementation of this protocol at all organised football games.”
As per the new regulations, any match where the 'X' gesture is used will be halted until fans are warned over racism.
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And if the gesture is used again, the match will then be suspended with players sent to the dressing rooms.
Further infringements could see the match abandoned.
A FIFA pamphlet that will be sent to clubs reads: “The No Racism Gesture has been formally implemented into the existing Three-Step Procedure, following the unanimous approval given by all member associations at the 74th Fifa congress in Bangkok.
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West Ham fans have adopted the gesture as their own
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“The three steps outlined represent the basic elements to be implemented in competitions and how the No Racism Gesture is implemented into this protocol.”
Currently, the Premier League has their own protocol in place that asks fans who witness racism in the game to report directly to them.
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West Ham players have even used the gesture to celebrate when they score
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They have a team dedicated to combatting racism and discrimination and their website states: "Racism in any form will not be tolerated by the Premier League and our clubs and we encourage supporters to continue to play their part in this by reporting it."
A website page allows fans to report any racism via an internet form which requires witnesses to divulge their email address and full name.