Racist chanting by Spanish football fans brings into sharp focus the dramatic improvements which have been made inside British grounds over the past 20 years.

In Britain, supporters know racist chanting may lead to expulsion from the ground, a lifetime ban and a criminal conviction.

Organisations such as Kick It Out have campaigned tirelessly for zero tolerance of racism in football.

They have been backed by clubs and supporters themselves, including the Albion, which has an exemplary record in supporting anti-racism initiatives.

Contrast the strength of the anti-racism statements made by leaders in the British game, including managers such as Harry Redknapp and Arsene Wenger, with the baffling refusal of Spain's manager, Luis Aragones, to condemn the racists.

We would be foolish, though, to assume racists have disappeared completely from the British game.

While racism has been all but removed from grounds themselves, anyone who watches England games in pubs will know the extremists still exist.

The national side has historically attracted a minority fascist following and the vile No Surrender song is still a part of their repertoire.

Things are changing though. All the evidence suggests the England team has been reclaimed by ordinary patriotic supporters with no racist axe to grind.

The number of black and ethnic minority supporters following the side in Portugal last summer was a testament to that.

-Councillor Simon Battle, Goldsmid Ward, Hove