By Andrew Warshaw
September 19 – Racism remains a “significant problem” in British football and stewards need additional training to help weed out the culprits, according to a Government committee report.
Although the problem is far less acute than in the past, much more can be done to eradicate discrimination.
Last December, the Football Association (FA) banned Liverpool’s Luis Suárez (pictured below, right) for eight matches after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra (pictured below, left).
Then, in July, former England captain John Terry (pictured top, right) was cleared in court of racially abusing Queens Park Rangers’ Anton Ferdinand (pictured top, centre).
Terry faces a separate FA hearing later this month but totally denies the charges.
“Recent incidents of racist abuse in the United Kingdom highlight that there remains significant problems,” said John Whittingdale, chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee inquiry.
“We believe it is for the FA to take the lead and set the example for everyone, from football authorities at all levels to the grassroots groups, to follow.”
The problem isn’t nearly as bad as in the 1970s and 1980s.
However, “while the general level of progress in combating racism and racist abuse in the UK is positive, there is much more that can and must be done,” added Whittingdale.
The panel’s recommendations include:
• Extra training for stewards
• Make it clear how to report incidents of abuse
• Appointments made on merit but with transparent recruitment processes
• Use social media to speak out against incidents of abuse and discrimination
• Review education programmes to make sure they are effective
• Ensure successful prosecutions take place at grassroots level.
While collating data for the inquiry, the report found evidence which suggests homophobia may now be a bigger problem in football than other forms of discrimination.
As a result, it called for a high-profile campaign to highlight the damaging effect of homophobic language and behaviour around football at every level.
“Transparent and consistent methods for reporting criminal behaviour including racism are still lacking, in particular at grass roots level,” said the report.
“It should be a priority for the FA to develop procedures for stewards to follow and regular training opportunities to ensure that all relevant staff at club grounds are capable of reacting swiftly and consistently.”
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734796507labto1734796507ofdlr1734796507owedi1734796507sni@w1734796507ahsra1734796507w.wer1734796507dna1734796507