MIDDLESBROUGH supporters are blowing the whistle on rogue fans who are bringing the name of the club into disrepute.

Chants, which include racially offensive words have generated a number of complaints, and the police reaction has been to arrest those responsible and take them to court.

Middlesbrough Football Club and Cleveland Police have been working with the national Kick Racism Out Of Football Campaign for a number of years and continue to be highly committed to the campaign.

The continuous promotion of the campaign, with an increased public awareness of the issues, has given police and club officials confidence that the culture is changing.

However, in three of Middlesbrough's recent home fixtures - West Ham, Liverpool and Manchester United - home supporters have been arrested for criminal offences where racially offensive words were directed at black players.

Superintendent Steve Swales, Middlesbrough district chief, said: "While it is disappointing that individuals still use this kind of language, it is really encouraging to note that in these cases, the complaints were generated by other supporters and stewards who are not prepared to listen to this garbage anymore."

In the past, such offences were largely identified by police officers and stewards.

Cleveland Police operates a strict prosecution policy for such offences and in recent weeks cases coming to court have resulted in fines of £125 and Football Banning Orders.

Dave Allan, Middlesbrough FC spokesman, said: "We believe football is part of the solution to racism, not the problem itself, so we devote time and resources into educating the young people of Teesside about the ills of racism.

"We have worked hard to create a family-like atmosphere at the stadium and will not risk losing that due to a few mindless idiots."