Five and six-a-side footballers in Dacorum have been warned that they face expulsion from the game if they display any sort of racist behaviour.
Leisure Leagues, which runs leagues at Hemel Hempstead Town FC on Sundays, has challenged the English Football Association to follow suit with a stronger anti-racism stance.
Senior Executive Sunny Mahal explained that while he was happy that instances of racism in their competitions were extremely low, any form of racist behaviour simply would not be tolerated.
“We believe that regardless of creed, colour, religion or gender, you should be able to play six-a-side community football, in a welcoming and tolerant environment,” he said.
“We investigate every allegation (of racism) we receive extremely thoroughly.
“We want players to be able come forward freely and tell us of their experiences.”
And Mr Mahal has urged the FA to follow the company’s lead, saying: “We call on them to take the sort of lead on these incidents that we do.
“As always with the FA, it is all about image and very little substance.”
For information about playing small-sided football with Leisure Leagues, please call 0845 230 2340, or visit www.leisureleagues.com