Fifa boss Gianni Infantino has spoken out against the continuing scourge of racism in football and has commended the stance taken against it in England.       

His comments came after a match between Italian sides Atalanta and Fiorentina was paused yesterday due to racist chanting.

Speaking at Fifa's Football Conference, Infantino said: "You can't have racism in society or in football. In Italy, the situation hasn't improved.

"Racism is combated with education, condemnation and discussion.

"You need to identify those responsible and throw them out of the stadiums. You need, as in England, the certainty of the penalty. You can't be afraid to condemn racists, we need to combat them until they stop."

Infantino's comments follow an incident during a Chelsea v Manchester City match where racist slurs were aimed at City's Raheem Sterling. As a result six Chelsea fans were banned, one for life, because of their behaviour.

Infantino also addressed the issue of equality in football and in particular the right of women to attend foootball matches in Iran.         said that Fifa have been "assured" that women will be able to attend Iranian football matches.

Earlier this month a woman died after she was arrested because she tried to enter a football match dressed as a man.

Infantino said afterwards: "Now is the moment to change things and FIFA is expecting positive developments starting in the next Iran home match in October."

Infantino said: "We need to have women attending.

"We have been assured that as of the next international game of Iran, women will be allowed to enter football stadiums. This is something very important - in 40 years this has not happened, with a couple of exceptions."

Iran are due to play Cambodia on October 10 for a spot in the next World Cup.