Richard Masters believes recent incidents of fans being sanctioned by Premier League clubs for racism and homophobia show the systems introduced to tackle discrimination are having a positive impact.
The Premier League Chief Executive believes the actions taken by the clubs against the "unacceptable" behaviour from these people are a demonstration of the impact of the League’s No Room for Racism campaign and the work the clubs and League have undertaken.
"We have had incidents of racism this season and one incident is one too many," he said.
"I think, from the Premier League’s perspective, and working with our clubs, ultimately we can’t stop people walking into stadiums harbouring those thoughts.
"But when incidents of racism and homophobia do happen, there is a system in place to deal with it.
"First thing is, you need to get the message out about what is acceptable and what is not.
"Our No Room for Racism campaign and all the work the clubs do have made that clear to supporters that there is no place for it within the Premier League.
"If and when it does happen, there is a system in place to deal with it. That means a proper reporting mechanism. It means properly trained stewards able to deal with the situation.
“It means the police, if necessary, and it means a sanction regime where perpetrators are dealt with properly.
“Some of our clubs have handed out life bans, [given] educational programmes to supporters who have done the wrong thing and in certain occasions, criminal convictions have followed.
“We want people to report racism and homophobia when they see it. That is part and parcel of making things better.”
Also in this series
Part 1: Masters: League is thriving as Liverpool race ahead
Part 3: 'VAR’s impact positive but it can improve'
