CLARETS star Arthur Gnohere is hoping that he and current defensive partner Ian Cox can have a positive impact as role models to young children from all backgrounds.

The Frenchman is delighted to be able to through his considerable weight behind the national anti-racism day which will take place at tomorrow's clash with Portsmouth.

And he admitted: "When I was a young boy I used to look up at people like the French players like Marius Tresor, Jean Tigana and especially Basil Boli. Also I liked George Weah and Abede Pele.

"Basil Boli was a very big inspiration to me and that is why it would be very important for me to be the same for young fans today.

"I want to show them that it does not matter what colour you are, everyone is equal. I want to set a positive example. When it comes to football all that matters is how well you can play.

"I think that every club in England now has some black players and that is very good to see."

Racism is sadly still present in England but the really dark days of moronic monkey chants and banana throwing are thankfully a thing of the past.

And Arthur insisted: "I think in England it is a lot better than most other countries.

"If you look at somewhere lie Italy or Spain it is worse and we all now know how bad things are in Slovakia. It makes me sad when you hear the abuse that two good players like Emile Heskey and Ashley Cole can get.

"But if you do get things like that the important thing is to concentrate on your football. You just have to play your game and get on with it.

"I do not mind the other team's fans booing me because that is all part of supporting your club and getting behind your team but it should not be because of the colour you are.

"Sol Campbell got booed at Spurs and Rio Ferdinand was booed at Leeds but that was because he had left one club for their big rivals. Players expect and understand that, the fans are just angry. What we don't want is racist chanting."