Football is the “worst sport” in terms of racism, the coach of the English club Sheffield United, Paul Heckingbottom, said on Friday, calling for tougher sanctions to combat these insults.

Sheffield goalkeeper Wes Foderingham said he was subjected to “racism and threats against his family” after last week’s injury-time defeat at Tottenham. For his coach, this incident reflects a broader societal problem.

“You can say it’s social media – where people are tough and can say whatever they want – you can get rid of it, but it’s deeper than that, because it’s at the inside people,” he said.

“It’s sad. I think we are the worst sport on this subject. I don’t know if it’s due to the profile (of the public, editor’s note), but we are the most affected,” he added.

“There have been great advances, in society as in our sport, so we must continue to be tougher and stronger and each time there are legal proceedings, toughen the sanctions,” he said. he continued, specifying that his guardian had been interviewed by the police.

Sheffield United, 17th in the English championship with four defeats and a draw, will travel to Newcastle (12th) on Sunday and will try to achieve their first victory of the season.