Racism in British football still a major problem

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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.

 

KOP racism row rolls on

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KOP racism row rolls on Liverpool FC’s reputation took another dive recently, when a young footballer accused supporters in the famous KOP stand of racially abusing him as he played in a FA Cup match at Anfield.

Twenty-year-old Tom Adeyemi, who was born in the UK but whose parents are originally from Nigeria, was playing for Oldham Athletic in the match, which his team went on to lose 5-1, when he appeared to react angrily to something said in the crowd in the dying minutes of the game.

Adeyemi, who was visibly upset by the incident, was calmed on the pitch by his own captain as well as Liverpool players, including Steven Gerrard. Merseyside Police are now investigating the incident and a man has been arrested and charged.

This is the second time in recent weeks that the successful club has been involved in a racism scandal, following the banning of player Luis Suarez for eight matches after he was found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra. Witnesses to the incident involving Adeyemi claim that some Liverpool fans started to chant Suarez’s name after the young Oldham player became upset.

Adeyemi, who is on loan to Oldham from his home-town club of Norwich City, declined a place at prestigious Cambridge University to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional footballer.  The youngster, whose family runs a successful business in Norwich, secured three A grades in his A Levels two years ago.

Scottish government to fight football racism

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Scottish government to fight football racism Recent proposals that have been drafted by the Scottish government to reduce the amount of racism that is seen at football matches will be put into law. Initially, the draft received quite a number of complaints where people were saying that it would be impractical to enforce the new law; however, the government has rejected these claims and will go ahead with implementation on Wednesday.

The bill is known as the offensive behaviour bill and will be easily passed because of the majority the Scottish National party hold in parliament. It has become unpopular with opposition parties but this does not matter for the government who intend to pass the law whether they approval or not. There is also criticism coming from other bodies such as the football clubs themselves and the Church of Scotland.

The police have welcomed the new law and it will allow them to arrest people for inciting racial hatred. The law extends from public spaces to the internet and the maximum sentence is five years in prison. The bill covers many areas, including all public places, pubs and football grounds. The bill was drafted because there was an increasing problem with football violence in Scotland and last year there were several bombs sent to Celtic fans.

Recently, Celtic have been fined because their fans sung songs that were pro IRA at a football match. Another Scottish club was recently banned from attending a European match because their supporters were known for racial attacks.

Roseanna Cunningham is the community safety Minister for Scotland and she has commented, “The situation with this kind of football violence in Scotland has got out of control and we had to do something about it. It was either we sit by and let this kind of bigotry thrive or we take action and introduce a law to let people know that it will never be tolerated.”

Many of the critics of the new law have said that it would be more effective to enforce existing laws more strictly. Other critics have said that it is confusing and too vague to have any effect. Scotland’s first Minister is Alex Salmond and he has resisted strong pressure to get rid of the bill, and has said that it is essential in tackling the most serious social problems that are found in Scotland.

While many football fans are protesting against the passing of the bill the popularity of the Scottish National Party has not fallen and a recent poll has suggested that support is at over 50%, compared with a 25% figure for Labour.

Alison McInnes is the justice spokeswoman for the Scottish Liberal Democrat party and she has commented, “The government are introducing two significant new laws without a consensus among parties. Worse than this, they are unable to answer basic questions about the enforcement of the law and why it is needed, I’m very concerned that this is going to have a negative impact on freedom of speech in Scotland.”