SHAKA Hislop has called for football’s authorities to take a tougher stance on racism and make a greater example of clubs or countries whose supporters are guilty of abusing players.

Hislop was speaking after Bulgaria were ordered by UEFA to play one match behind closed doors for the appalling conduct of section of their fans in a Euro 2020 qualifier against England in Sofia last month.

Black English players were subjected to monkey chants and Nazi salutes were also seen in the crowd during a Group A match that was stopped twice in accordance with guidelines.

The Bulgarian Football Union was only fined €75,000 by UEFA and their national team ordered to play one home game – against the Czech Republic next month - behind closed doors.

Bulgaria have been put on probation for two years and if there is any repeat of the scenes in Sofia at their matches in the next two years they will have to play another game behind closed doors.

There had been calls for Bulgaria, who are bottom of their section, to be ejected from the competition and UEFA have been heavily criticised for the leniency of their punishment.

Hislop, the former Newcastle United and West Ham goalkeeper who helped to set up Show Racism the Red Card in 1996, believes it is the latest example of governing bodies being too soft on racism and admitted he would like to see far more severe sanctions.

“The incident at Cagliari (Inter striker Romelu Lukaku was subjected to monkey chants as he prepared to take a penalty in September) highlighted and underscored that,” he said.

“The Italian Football Federation were derelict in their duty (the Sardinian club received no reprimand for the chants from the IFF) as were Cagliari. That’s where we can certainly improve.

“I don’t just think they have to be more vocal, I think punishments have to be stronger, have to be swifter and have to send a message.

“I think the Italian Football Federation could have fined Cagliari a huge and debilitating sum, even if it seemed well outside the scope of the punishment.

“They could have fined them €500,000 and then suspended €400,000 of it on the understanding that they invest €200,000 into an education campaign of their own with their fanbase in their local community.

“They could also have asked them to spend €50,000 on signage inside the stadium and money on policing inside the stadium and keeper a closer eye on what fans may be up to. Then they don’t have to pay the fine.

“All of a sudden, it goes from a heavy fine to a scheme to educate the community and improve their ground. These are things I think can be done and need to begin. I am just speaking hypothetically here, but I think they will pay dividends down the road.”