MORE than 30 MPs, including Pendle's Gordon Prentice, have called for action to kick racism out of football following the abuse of former Blackburn player Dwight Yorke at Ewood Park.

They are alarmed not just at the events in Blackburn but also the abuse of black England players at the friendly with Spain in Madrid four days earlier.

The House of Commons Early Day Motion signed by Mr Prentice and 32 other MPs from all parties appears on the House of Commons Order Paper sent to all MPs, ministers and senior civil servants.

Although it is unlikely to be debated, it highlights issues of concern to the government and the sporting authorities.

The Motion reads: "We condemn the racism displayed during the England football teams international friendly in Madrid on November 17.

"We are appalled by continued incidents of racist chanting at Premiership matches, as recorded at Blackburn on November 21.

"We agree that no sports person should have to conduct their activities under the threat of racist intimidation or abuse.

"We support the Football Association in its efforts to stamp racism out of football's culture.

And we call on the government to use its influence in the European Union to ensure this issue is taken as seriously by other states as it is in the United Kingdom."

In a separate Motion Liberal Democrat Don Foster, MP for Bath, deplores the racial abuse of England players in the Spanish friendly.