Saha wary of Roma racism

Manchester United striker Louis Saha, pictured September 2007, fears players could be subjected to racist abuse when the English giants face Roma during Wednesday´s Champions League match in the Italian capital.

      MANCHESTER, England (AFP) - Manchester United striker Louis Saha fears players could be subjected to racist abuse when the English giants face Roma during Wednesday's Champions League match in the Italian capital.

      In the past black players such as England striker Emile Heskey have been the victims of racist taunting when playing in Rome.

      But black players within Roma's ranks have also found themselves on the receiving end of such abuse during matches against capital rivals Lazio.

      Saha, himself a black France international, speaking during a conference on racism and bullying at Old Trafford here Monday, said that racism was still an issue within football.

      "You will see it on Wednesday, I think. We are travelling to Italy, and in those kind of places it seems like they are used to it. They don't fight it like we have done in England.

      "They are starting to recognise it and think about it, but not very strongly - whereas England is a good example of where it has been tackled."

      Saha, 29, said he had personal experience of racist abuse. "In football I've had many things thrown at me - but I've always been a very calm person. I try to keep everything inside," he said.

      "Away from football it did happen once; I was 12 years old when I was with my father at a game between Paris St Germain and Sochaux at the Parc des Princes.

      "I made a bad mistake of choosing the wrong coffee, so I went over to get another - but the area was full of skinheads.

      "My father decided to stand up to them, and I was very impressed. He showed me how to react by being very calm and willing to do anything to protect me. From that day, I thought that is the way to fight it - because it is not right.

      "We should not have to accept it in the 21st century, and things like this have to change. I have to think about the future of my children as well - and since having two children of mixed colour, I've become more passionate about this.

      "Everyone has to understand it is a bad thing, that they shouldn't get used to it or turn their back. That's not the way to fight it. Everybody has to understand it is not acceptable any more."