Villa stars will wear 'Kick It Out' t-shirts
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert today rubbished reports that some of his players will not wear Kick It Out campaign t-shirts against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Kick It Out are planning a week of action in response to several high-profile recent incidents of racism in football, most notably John Terry's abuse of Anton Ferdinand, and the abuse suffered by England Under-21 defender Danny Rose in Serbia.
Former Albion striker Jason Roberts has already stated that he will not wear a t-shirt in protest to what he said was the organisation's lack of action against racism in football in the last year.
It had been reported that a number of Villa's black players – including Darren Bent, Fabian Delph, Christian Bentkeke and Gabby Agbonlahor – were set to follow the example set by Roberts tomorrow but Lambert dismissed that idea.
"Will our players wear Kick It out T-shirts? Absolutely, yes. I don't see any issue with that at all. The lads will go and do it," said Lambert.
"Contrary to some reports saying they weren't going to do it, that is totally misinformed and I'm not happy with that. But the lads won't have a problem with it.
"It's a definite as far as I'm concerned, the lads will back it, and quite rightly so. There is no place for racism, none whatsoever but in any walk of life.
"It is disgusting really it keeps going on. You keep hearing the same argument that FIFA and UEFA need to do something. They've got to do something now. There is no point in talking about it."
Lambert confirmed that left-back Joe Bennett, who suffered a nasty gash on his leg against Tottenham, has trained along with Stephen Ireland (wrist) while Karim El Ahmadi is fit despite going off with fatigue on international duty for Morocco.
The Villa boss refused to confirm whether Darren Bent would return to the starting line-up but insisted he remained on good terms with the £24m striker.
"I can't keep everyone happy all if the time. I don't think it is a massive sign of intent it's just my decision which is right for the football club," added Lambert.
"I have never had a problem with Darren. We've been laughing and joking this week. You wouldn't take Darren's selfishness in front of goal away because he is a goalscorer and that is what he does best."