Many British-based players have complained of racial abuse when playing on the continent in recent weeks.

Arsenal striker Thierry Henry even threatened to walk off the pitch if it continued.

Uefa meet in Nyon, Switzerland on Thursday to discuss the recent incidents and how they should deal with them.

Earle, now a football pundit, says European football's ruling body should use its ultimate sanctions to punish guilty clubs.

"I think its important that Uefa are bold and strong," said Earle.

"It's got to be that clubs feel some kind of loss whether that's financial, whether that's moving games away from home grounds or even to the point where points are deducted."

Earle believes that potential punishment will ensure that clubs will do their best to stamp out racist chants from supporters.

"If the club ultimately feel responsibility, then for certain they will then make sure that they are doing something to stamp this problem out.

"If Uefa only come with a tap-on-the-wrist solution, the clubs are not going to take it seriously."

Earle said he hoped players like Henry would never be forced to walk from the pitch because of abuse, as Henry had threatened.

"I think any black player would understand what he's gone through.

"But in reality, if he walked of the pitch, in some ways he would be allowing the racists to win."