Rooney Urges EPL to Punish Racism with Points Deductions and Heavy Fines

Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney has urged football authorities to introduce tougher penalties — including fines and points deductions — to effectively tackle racism in the sport.

Speaking on his new BBC podcast, Rooney emphasized that harsher sanctions are necessary to bring about real change.

“You have to hit the clubs by taking off points or hit them in the pocket and take money away from them. Otherwise, it will keep on going,” Rooney said.

His comments follow two high-profile incidents of racism last week. Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo reported racial abuse from a fan during their 4-2 loss to Liverpool, while Tottenham’s Mathys Tel was targeted with abuse on social media after missing a penalty in the Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Rooney added: “Hopefully the right people sit down with the right organisations to try and get something serious in place.”

The football legend’s remarks add to growing calls for governing bodies to take more decisive action against racism in the game.