Liverpool striker Luis Suarez served an eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United left back Patrice Evra, who is black, during another October match. Suarez was initially backed by Liverpool, whose players were condemned by anti-racism groups for wearing T-shirts featuring the Uruguayan's picture in a show of solidarity.

While not commenting on the Suarez case, Bernstein criticized clubs for backing players even if they are accused of serious offenses like racism.

''Clubs do tend to act like a large family. They do tend to rally round and support each other. They do tend to draw the wagons around and this sort of they all hate us type of thing that makes us stronger,'' Bernstein said. ''It's something that's prevalent in many if not most clubs. ... Should clubs be more introspective? Yes, I think they should attempt to be, most certainly.

''But having chaired a club, I know it's quite difficult. There is a strong temptation to do everything one can to get a winning situation, a winning team, and that includes supporting your colleagues almost right or wrong. So it's a cultural thing, but I think it does need looking at.''

The head of England's players' union told the parliamentary hearing that black players fear facing a ''torrent of abuse'' if they complain about racism in the wake of the Terry and Suarez cases.

''The last thing I want after this season's incidents is for black players to not feel comfortable with the process, that if they do make a complaint that it won't be addressed properly,'' Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor said. ''I also feel there is an element of belief among my younger black players that it's still, `Hmm, I can make a complaint, but...'''