WITH the exception of a few eastern European countries, the world's number one game seemed in recent years to be getting on top of the problem of racism in sport.

Last night, however, football hit one its lowest points for years with the cacophony of racist chants during the match between England and Spain in Madrid.

The 'monkey noise' chants coming from the Spanish fans were aimed at England's black players. Ashley Cole and substitute Shaun Wright-Phillips were the prime targets and it is difficult to imagine the anger those players must have felt last night. Cole, normally a robust and effervescent character, admitted after the match that the taunts had left him feeling disconsolate.

The fuse for last night's disgraceful scenes was lit by the ignorant comments made by the Spanish manager Luis Aragones over Arsenal's black striker Thierry Henri. His remarks sparked a series of articles in the media condemning his actions and prompted players to line up behind a banner declaring 'all united against racism in football'.

But the flames had already been fanned by Aragones and the idiots in the crowd stoked the issue in the most disgraceful fashion turning what should have been a night of pride for Spanish football into a night of shame.

So far the Spanish football authorities have shown a massive lack of awareness and will to do anything about their wayward manager and disgraceful supporters so it now behoves the European and world governing bodies to grab the reins.

The strongest possible punishment needs to be handed out to the Spanish football association and they also need to look at the position of Aragones. How can a national team be coached by a man with such abhorrent views?

One footnote: England striker Wayne Rooney should also be ashamed of himself this morning. Not just for his on-the-field bad temper but for the way he discarded the black arm band he was wearing in honour of Emlyn Hughes who passed away a few days ago. He may be only 19, but that's no excuse to act like a disrespectful yob.