LONDON (AFP) - British Sports minister Richard Caborn will be writing to his Spanish counterpart to express his outrage at the racist abuse suffered by England's black players in the friendly international in Madrid.
Caborn will also urge FIFA and UEFA to investigate the racist chants aimed at Ashley Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips.
"I was absolutely appalled by the reaction of the crowd and I will be writing to the Spanish sports minister to express my outrage at their behaviour," he said.
"I would like to see him ask the Spanish FA to condemn the scenes we witnessed in the Bernabeu.
"I also expect FIFA and UEFA to fully investigate the issue. There is no place for racism in football or modern society, and I strongly believe that action needs to be taken."
Meanwhile a Downing Street spokeswoman said that while Prime Minister Tony Blair did not watch the game he was concerned by the chanting.
"The Prime Minister, like everybody in the country, was very disappointed with what happened last night in Spain," the spokeswoman said.
"He believes racism has no part to play in sport - or anywhere else for that matter.
"We believe we have made real progress in kicking racism out of British football."
Newcastle midfielder Jermaine Jenas, another of England's black players, who was late substitute against Spain, told Thursday's London Evening Standard, he had been shocked by what he'd witnessed.
"I was very surprised, It was not nice to hear such chants going on. I didn't realise the people in Spain were like that. It was very ignorant and wrong. It was disgraceful," Jenas said.
"That was the worst I have ever experienced. I have encountered it before when playing for Newcastle in Europe but last night was the worst. "Something has to be done or else it will continue to happen. It has to stop somewhere.
"Ashley Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips were very disappointed about what happened.
"Ashley is very upset, he was not happy about the abuse he got. I just hope UEFA do not just let it slide by because it is not something that should be taken lightly.
"I hope it doesn't get brushed under the carpet. The only thing you can see happening is to ban people from games or don't let them in the stadium."
The friendly in Madrid had long been overshadowed by the issue of racism.
Spain coach Luis Aragones refused to back down over the comments he made about Thierry Henry and black England players were targeted by fans in the corresponding Under-21s match in Spain on Tuesday as well as Wednesday night.
And Jenas added Aragones's remarks had set an appalling tone.
"I am not sure if there was an apology over what he said about Thierry Henry - if not, then it is disgraceful that someone at such a high level can make such comments without any backlash."
England right-back Gary Neville said the authorities would have immediately taken action had England fans been chanting racist abuse at Spanish players.
"I can't understand the abuse and where it comes from I don't know," he said. "But on the major issues in the game - hooliganism and racism - if it is England, we would probably be kicked out of the competitions," the Manchester United defender added.
Asier del Horno's early goal gave Spain victory in an ill-tempered friendly.
Paul Robinson saved a penalty from Spain's Raul following a foul on the same player after 24 minutes.
And England's Wayne Rooney was hauled off after 41 minutes to spare him a red card after being booked and clashing with several Spain players.
11/18/2004 - 12:46 GMT - AFP