London, Feb 12 : British football fans have been angered by the Football Association’s (FA) plans to bring in “over the top” rules to tackle racism in the game.

The new 10-point plan includes measures to get more Muslims and Jews playing the game, and policy makers want mascots who run out at England matches to be from ethnic minorities.

John Mann, head of the task force dealing with the issue, also said more needs to be done to weed out bigots from the game.

“In 2010 it is not acceptable that any footballer can be abused because of their race or religion at any level of the game,” The Daily Star quoted Mann, as saying.

“Nor is acceptable than any part of football be prepared to excuse or ignore such prejudice. Progress has been rapid and real, but more is needed,” he added.

However, critics said fans should be proud that the England team contains many black players with rich cultural backgrounds.

“We have come on leaps and bounds since the 1980s. The England team is about half black and half white and supporters no longer see a player by his colour,” said Jon Keen, member of the Football Supporters’ Federation.

“Supporters now police themselves – we don’t need a raft of new rules and regulations,” he added.

Other recommendations include introducing a hotline so that fans can text in on match days to complain about racist language from people sitting near them.

Meanwhile, an FA spokesman said that the report has been received and it is being considered. (ANI)