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Players from England's professional football leagues have told campaign group that racism and homophobia are common in game. Over 200 professionals playing in Premier League, and three divisions below it, took part in survey conducted by campaigners Kick It Out. organization said both racism and homophobia were everywhere in English football. Over half of those who answered survey said they regularly see racism and homophobia. quarter said they have had racist or homophobic comments from fans or other players. One in five said they have seen it from their own teammates. Many players said there should be better policing at football matches.

Kick It Out said things were improving but progress was too slow. It said many players complained about slow progress. Its website said: "During 2012/13 season, number of players publicly displayed their discontent at what they believed to be lack of progress in tackling racism and discrimination across game." Former Premier League player Paul Mortimer said there was less racism and homophobia now than there was in 1980s and 1990s. He said: "If you pick any club in country, any stadium or any training ground, everything in club has moved on. But some of discriminatory vocabulary used is from bygone era. This kind of mentality is still in dark ages. It has to move on."