By Mark Baber
July 30 – Kick It Out, a campaign is supported and funded by the Professional Footballers Association (PFA), the Premier League and The Football Association to encourage equality and inclusion has today launched a new free mobile app which allows players and fans to directly report racist or homophobic abuse to Kick It Out which will then follow up with football authorities and if necessary the police.
Kick It Out chairman Lord Herman Ouseley said: “Now if players have got a problem they will be able to contact us directly and, if they wish, anonymously, and we will follow through on the complaint.”
The launch of the new app comes after football fans called for tough and consistent action to be taken against those perpetrators found guilty of discrimination.
Over 5,000 fans completed a ‘Tackling Discrimination’ survey, carried out by Populus and supported by the Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF), Supporters Direct (SD), Level Playing Field (LPF) and the Gay Football Supporters’ Network (GFSN), answering a series of questions to help Kick It Out form a blueprint for tackling discrimination in future years.
Roisin Wood, Director of Kick It Out, said: “The majority of football fans have told Kick It Out they want action to get rid of discrimination at all levels of the game. These new reporting tools will allow fans to help clubs and the relevant authorities target instances of discriminatory behaviour more consistently while maintaining healthy and vocal rivalries.
“Over the past 20 years, the campaign has stayed at the forefront of tackling discrimination with innovative campaigns and we have made real progress, but there is still plenty to do. This will go some way in helping responsible fans work with us to make further progress.
“Kick It Out will continue to work with clubs, managers, players, fans’ organisations and the governing bodies to help actively promote all reporting procedures.”
Kevin Miles, Chief Executive of the Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF), said: “The results of the fan consultation support our view that abusive and discriminatory behaviour at grounds is totally unacceptable. It is important that the responsible majority of fans have the right help and support to report, and the confidence that something will be done if they do.
“These incidents when the behaviour of the minority crosses over the line are rare, but we’re encouraging all football fans to download the free app and read the reporting guide, so if they are ever in that situation, they are clear on what to do.”
The ‘Tackling Discrimination’ survey, found the majority of fans find discrimination and abuse as unacceptable in the modern game including 92% who find racism unacceptable, 87% homophobia, 84% sexism and 92% abuse of disability.
Fans want more to be done to tackle discrimination including 90% supporting ejection from grounds, 82% supporting season long bans, 67% supporting compulsory education courses from the club and 63% supporting life bans from the ground. 88% of fans think there should be tough penalties for players who act in a discriminatory way.
The new app allows fans to report incidents both online and offline depending on the availability of a mobile phone signal. It will combat the fear that some fans expressed about being singled out if they are seen standing up to discrimination.
The anonymity of those fans making reports is protected. Fans can choose to be kept up-to-date with the progress of their report by providing contact details confidentially, or can remain anonymous. All reports are forwarded to the club concerned, through the relevant club representative, and a copy is forwarded to The FA.
The launch of the new app marks a milestone in the campaign against discrimination in football. By enabling fans to document and report incidents of discrimination and abuse, violators may be held to account.
After the recent setting up of the FIFA anti-discrimination task force, the project may find international application, as football administrators struggle to meet their duties to pro-actively investigate and punish those who discriminate on the basis of race, gender or sexuality. As UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, who is a member of the new Task Force said recently: “History shows us the terrible human price of discrimination and prejudice. No one is entitled to treat a group of people as less valuable, less deserving or less worthy of respect.”
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