According to a report by a committee from the House of Commons, racism in British football remains a major problem despite improvements in recent years. The report is in response to concerns after the cases against John Terry and Patrice Evra-Luis Suarez. The chair of the inquiry, John Whittingdale MP believes that the recent reports of UK racism highlight the fact that there is still a significant problem.
Homophobia, say MPs, may now have become the most widespread form of discrimination. When Liverpool’s Suarez was found guilty of racial abuse against Evra from Manchester United he was fines £40,000 by the FA and a ban. Meanwhile John Terry, ex-England captain was cleared in July of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, his fellow football player. Mr Whittingdale said that the committee believes the FA should set an example for all football authorities to follow.
Outside of British football, there were moments of racist chanting during Euro 2012 both during matches and at training sessions. A fine of 80,000 euros (£65,000) was given to the Croatian Football Federation for abusing Italian striker Mario Balotelli. During the 1970s and 80s abuse, both racial and otherwise, was common, fortunately the atmosphere and behaviour at football matches has changed hugely.
The report added that charities and initiatives like Show Racism the Red Card helped to reduce the problem where it is worst – in the grounds, on the streets and online – but more work is required. A joint statement from the Football Association, the Football League and the Premier League stated that the progress made in these matters has been substantial but there are still challenges to be met.