When FIFA asked every competition to enforce a three-step procedure in response to racism at matches, the English Premier League did not follow the advice.
That disregard of the protocols set out by FIFA secretary general Fatma Samoura in a July letter to every national association has created confusion as English football reels from another marquee game being tarnished by racism.
Tottenham has asked the Premier League to clarify the procedures it follows in the wake of the fallout from Chelsea defender Antonio Rdiger reporting being subjected to monkey noises from the home fans in Sunday's London derby.
Rdiger's complaint was swiftly followed by a warning announcement to more than 61,000 fans in the Tottenham stadium: "Racist behavior among spectators is interfering with the game."
"The Premier League protocol differs from UEFA protocol in that it does not call for an announcement rather that the individual(s) be dealt with by the safety team in the first instance."
FIFA made clear in the letter on July 25 to football officials worldwide they should follow the three-step procedure, highlighting that it was a message to "all member associations, leagues, clubs and disciplinary bodies."
"The referee should speak to the stadium announcer if racism is happening in the stadium, then I think a warning is reasonable," Rdiger said. "If it still doesn't stop then I think it's good that the game is aborted."
"At this time, however, we should point out that our findings are inconclusive and would ask that comment is reserved until the facts are established."
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