William hails anti-racism move

The Duke of Cambridge said tonight there is "sadly more work to do" to stop racism in football.

Speaking at a gala dinner to mark the 150th anniversary of the Football Association, Prince William praised the organisations attempting to remove discrimination from the game.

"I am proud of the work of Kick it Out, which is also celebrating an anniversary - its 20th - this year," said the royal, who is also the president of the association.

"There is sadly more work to do, but it is heartening to see how seriously the FA takes stamping the blight of racism and discrimination out of football."

His comments came after Manchester City's Yaya Toure complained of fans making monkey noises during his team's midweek Champions League victory over CSKA Moscow in Russia.

Read: Wenger's Russia boycott doubts

The Duke of Cambridge said he hoped to encourage his favourite football club to "new glory", at the 150th anniversary celebration gala of the Football Association.

Prince William joked that sadly the Queen, who is patron of the FA, has only enjoyed "one occasion when Aston Villa topped the league".

Prince William's ambition to persuade his son George to follow Aston Villa could see the future King join a powerful set of supporters of the Midlands team.

Read: Prince William vows to take George to Villa Park

Today marks 150 years since the Founding Fathers of football met to form the Football Association (FA) and create the laws of football.

The FA will host a gala dinner in London this evening to celebrate and will be joined by the Duke of Cambridge and footballing legends from around the world.

Read: Prince William reveals love for football in FA message

The Duke of Cambridge has revealed his love for football and spoken of the game's global importance in a special message to mark the Football Association's (FA) 150th anniversary.

In the video address, Prince William, who is President of the FA, added that he is looking forward to watching the team he supports, Aston Villa, with his son George in the future.

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