Former France international Lilian Thuram has called for the footballing world to make a show of solidarity against racism.

Speaking after Manchester City's Yaya Toure was subjected to racial abuse during a Champions League match, the ex-Barcelona defender insisted that white players should also make a stand against discrimination.

"As a general rule we always go to the players who are victims of racism, and I think it's the others who can change things," he told BBC Sport. "The action of not saying anything - somehow - it makes you an accomplice."

Thuram also referenced an incident in January when AC Milan's Kevin-Prince Boateng walked off the pitch after enduring racial chants, urging players to unite when supporters behave in such a manner.

"When I speak about racism, or Yaya Toure or Kevin-Prince Boateng speak, everyone knows what to expect," he added.

"But if tomorrow all the white players from Manchester City say that from now on if something happens we will refuse to go back out on to the pitch, and if the players from AC Milan, from Inter Milan and from all the big clubs say the same thing, you'll soon see that we'll find a solution."

Thuram, who lists Monaco, Parma and Juventus among his former clubs, retired in 2008 after being diagnosed with a heart condition.