Racism in football – a fans perspective

Guest post by Ben Coombs:

I felt the need to write an article on a subject that is absolutely dominating our sport at this present time, with high profile incidents such as the John Terry and Luis Suarez allegations, and the I think most of us agree, outrageous comments from a certain Mr Blatter.

In my opinion; racism is definitely still a huge problem in football, perhaps not on the pitch most of the time, but definitely in other forms.

I’ve been told of and observed a worrying amount of racism on the weekends at different football grounds, including a vivid memory I have of a man a few rows ahead of me referring to a black player on OUR team.. As a variety of things, none of which were kindly, all of which were racist and I daren’t repeat. This is intolerable as it is, but was also right in front of his own youngsters, and other children were well within earshot.

People who act in this way should be reported every time, and punished as severely as the law allows. Leniency is in-excusable, and severe charges would (I hope) deter others quickly enough.

I’ve also overheard racist insults in my local five-a-side league, which have been acknowledged and virtually ignored by officials, with no punishment whatsoever.

This indifference in any level of the game is simply in-excusable, especially the prime example of Mr ‘not fit to work in football’ Blatter.

Excuses have been thrown about such as the comments by Luis Suarez and Gus Poyet about how the words used by Suarez were not considered racist in his Uruguayan homeland. This is a poor and lamentable excuse, because the simple fact is, we aren’t in Uruguay, and our customs and views on language should be acknowledged in cases such as this.

I hope that one day racism to not be a problem in football, as any normal person or football-fan would, but I can not see that becoming a reality anytime soon unless changes are made. The decision on the Suarez case is due this afternoon and the verdict will be an interesting one…..