THE claims made this week by a Hereford solicitor that racist language still exists in many sports clubs is shocking and depressing.

For many had hoped that the obscene abuse which rained down on black footballers in the 1980s was now confined to history.

The fact that many stadiums are now free of the banana throwing antics and poisonous chants is thanks partly to the way in which the media shamed those behind the abuse while educating others.

This newspaper will, therefore, not back down to the bullies who cried foul on social media and attacked us for simply reporting the arrest of the two Lads Club players when the shocking video first came to light last year.

For if we ignore racism of this kind – clearly directed at players from another team – then black and mixed race sportsmen and women will have to endure these obscenities for many years to come.

Speaking to young players in junior leagues now, it is clear that they know racism is wrong and, importantly, why it is wrong.

It is a shame that many of those defending the outrageous comments made inside Lads Club do not share such a moral compass.

And, if the claims of the solicitor, Chris Read, are true then they are not alone.

Which means exposing this sort of shameful behaviour is as important as it has ever been.

Racism, in all its forms, must be kicked out.