Kieron Dyer, who has been an active supporter of the North-East's Show Racism The Red Card campaign, says he has experienced similar race hate in Europe with both club and country.
Dyer: "Where I've heard it most is in foreign countries when I've played with the national side or in Europe with Newcastle. It's shocking and it does surprise you when you first hear it because we just don't get that at grounds in this country.
"It's not just about football, it's about society. They don't have campaigns and education programmes in schools like we have, their societies are probably more racist, but it doesn't have any place in football, no form of racism does.
"In Spain, Eastern Europe and other places, you realise how bad it still is out there. It's a reminder to us all that racism is still a problem.
"If you fine a federation £100,000 what's that going to do? It hardly even registers. The only way you are going to get through to these countries is if they close grounds and drop points. If a country does not get to a major finals because they were docked points because of the racist behaviour of their supporters they'll soon get the message.
"It's the only way they will listen, hopefully they'll keep the heavy punishments coming. You only have to look at the fines and punishments dished out in Italy to see what sort of tough stances can be taken. I'd certainly back any moves by UEFA to dock a country points if their fans were racist.
"They need to be hurt for it to make a difference. The fans love their clubs and their national teams and they'll soon learn to zip it if they are watching it in a lower league or the national team can't qualify for major tournaments."