THE opening weekend of the Football League saw a number of racist incidents which left Kick It Out “appalled,” the anti-racism group told the Star today.

Just days into the English Football season, there have already been a number of incidents which included Fulham’s Cyrus Christie alleging his sister was hit and racially abused during their match at Barnsley.

Meawhile, Southend striker Theo Robinson claimed he was a target of racist abuse from a fan sitting near his family and friends at Coventry.

Kick It Out also said James McClean of Stoke and Barnsley’s Bambo Diaby had been subjected to abuse.

Having released statistics last month that reported incidents of racism and other forms of discrimination in English grassroots and professional football had risen for the seventh year in a row, Kick It Out said in a statement to the Star that this was a “reminder for everyone in football that racism and discrimination cannot be ignored.”

The group said: “We are appalled to hear that the sister of Fulham’s Cyrus Christie was subjected to alleged violence and racist abuse on Saturday, with Southend United’s Theo Robinson, Stoke City’s James McClean and Barnsley’s Bambo Diaby targeted with unacceptable discriminatory abuse too.

“On the first weekend of the season, these incidents should be a reminder for everyone in football that racism and discrimination cannot be ignored. Clubs and the football authorities must be relentless in calling out this disgraceful behaviour, and be prepared to issue strong sanctions and education sessions to any supporter involved.

“We have contacted the clubs to offer our support to the players, are liaising with the police and have informed the FA of all the incidents, so that whoever is responsible can be brought to justice. 

“Discrimination casts a shadow over football in this country, and we will not stop highlighting the problem while it remains rife in the game.”