The black and white minstrels: Ahead of their time?

An item courtesy of the Robins Review, Altrincham F.C.'s fabulous matchday programme:

Angel Torres, president of Spanish club Getafe, wants his white players to paint their faces black to combat racism.

Torres made the call after racist chanting at the game between his club and Barcelona, reports Sporting Life.

Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho were the victims of taunts in Getafe's Coliseum Alfonso Perez. Torres suggested the Getafe squad showed solidarity with black players by painting their faces black for their next game.

"I have spoken to one of the club captains and I am certain that the players want to take measures to fight against racism," he said. "I will ask them to paint their faces black before they go onto the pitch next Sunday."

Getafe striker Gica Craioveanu said: "I have no problem with doing that, but I don't think we need to do anything quite as drastic."

He believes a special match should be staged to help combat racism and to raise awareness about the problem in Spanish football.

"Neither the team, nor the players, nor the Getafe fans are racist," said Craioveanu. "I think a game against racism played in the Santiago Bernabeu would be a better idea. "We all have to stop this now, starting with the most important players from every team."