The opening game of the Premier League season was marred by Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo suffering alleged abuse from a spectator at Anfield in their match against Liverpool and Rooney believes that points deductions could be an effective way of tackling the issue, as he recalled how one of his players was reduced to tears by abuse during his time as manager of MLS side DC United.

Speaking on his BBC podcast The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England captain said: "I had it in DC with one of my players who got racially abused and he was crying on my chest. I was holding him as he was crying on my chest.

"I don't think people realise - they say it as a throwaway line that they think has no meaning behind it, but it hurts people. For people to see that and understand, there has to be more done to stop it."

Rooney continued: "There needs to be a strong campaign for society - for children, parents and grandparents - to be educated.

"You have to hit the clubs because that's the only way it will stop. If there is ignorance, the fans will still do it.

"You have to hit the clubs by taking off points or hit them in the pocket and take money away from them. Otherwise, it will keep on going.

"Hopefully the right people sit down with the right organisations to try and get something serious in place."