Sophisticated Europeans

Aren't you glad Europeans aren't racist goons like the hayseeds in this country.

ZURICH, Switzerland -- The president of soccer's governing body stressed Monday that racism must be eliminated at stadiums, his comments coming one day after Real Madrid star Ronaldo threw a water bottle at fans for insulting him and his mother.

"Fighting this scourge is one of our most important tasks," FIFA president Sepp Blatter said in a statement. "Whether associations, teams or players at each and every level, we all have a duty to ensure that our conduct does not lead to anybody being marginalized."

Ronaldo was replaced in the 85th minute of Sunday's 1-0 home victory over Malaga in the Spanish league. He was putting on his jacket when a piece of gum was spit at him and fans yelled racist remarks. "They insulted me and my mother and I had a bad reaction," the Brazilian star said.

Many Madrid fans jeered the players, upset that one of the world's most glamorous teams most likely will end the season without a trophy for the second straight year. Madrid trails Barcelona by 11 points with nine games left.

There has been an upsurge in racist conduct by Spanish fans this season. Last month, a referee stopped a game between Malaga and Espanyol because fans were taunting Espanyol's Cameroon goalkeeper Carlos Kameni. Also, Spain coach Luis Aragones was fined this month for a comment about Arsenal star Thierry Henry and an outburst regarding Britain's colonial past.