FA Statement
Friday, 19 November 2004.
On Friday The FA received a letter from the Spanish Football Association apologising for the racist behaviour directed by groups of fans at England Under-21 and Senior players on Tuesday and Wednesday, in particular Ashley Cole, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Jermain Defoe.
The letter, from General Secretary Jorge P. Arias, categorically condemns this behaviour, and reiterates its position against racism in football. The Spanish FA was responding to a letter of complaint from The FA expressing its condemnation of the abuse suffered by the England players.
The FA welcomes the response and now looks forward to receiving details from FIFA on its investigation initiated yesterday.
There will be no further comment from The FA at this time.