Kick It Out urges UEFA to clamp down on anti-Semitism

Mauricio Pochettino labelled the banner "very disrespectful" and "unacceptable".

Anti-discrimination body Kick It Out has urged UEFA to send a clear message to clubs around Europe after Partizan Belgrade fans held up an anti-Semitic banner during their team's goalless draw with Tottenham in the Europa League on Thursday.

Partizan supporters unfurled a banner during the Group C opener in Serbia which was based on the Only Fools and Horses logo but had been altered to form an offensive slogan.

Tottenham, who have a strong, historical association with London's Jewish community, complained and UEFA has begun disciplinary proceedings.

Kick It Out said it had been made aware of the unsavoury scenes via a "large number" of Spurs fans on Twitter and confirmed it had informed Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE).

"These incidents seem to be happening in particular countries and in certain parts of Europe where they don't take them as seriously as we do on our shores," Kick It Out's media and communications manager Richard Bates said.

"Incidents aren't dealt with in the appropriate manner within those countries - if they don't take a firm stance and they're allowed to slide, the reality is it will continue to happen.

"We need UEFA to take a lead, which they have done more over the last couple of years, and demonstrate clearly that these sorts of incidents are completely unacceptable.

"It's always disappointing when any incident like this occurs. It's disheartening, it's not acceptable in any way and, after a thorough investigation, it needs to be dealt with in the appropriate manner."

Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino labelled the banner "very disrespectful" and "unacceptable".

Kick It Out stressed it would be up to UEFA to judge what punishment would be suitable but suggested a partial stadium closure or points deduction could be considered.

Partizan were thrown out of the UEFA Cup and fined in 2007 for rioting during a qualifying round match against Zrinjski Mostar in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

It is also not the first time racism has marred Serbian football after Tottenham defender Danny Rose was abused while playing for England U21s in Serbia in October 2012.

UEFA's disciplinary panel enforced partial stadium closures on Romania's Steaua Bucharest, Hungary's Debrecen and Slovenian side Maribor last month following racist incidents during the teams' Champions League qualifiers.

FC Chikhura Sachkhere from Georgia were also ordered to close part of their stadium after a racist incident occurred in a Europa League qualification match.