Racism and social media in focus on Duke’sWBA visit
FOOTBALLERS are facing a torrent of racism and social media bullying, Prince William heard as he visited West Bromwich Albion.
The Duke of Cambridge called in at the team’s training ground to talk about the impact of racism on footballers’ mental health, while William also raised the effects of continual social media criticism on players.
In a 90-minute visit to the club’s training ground in Walsall, the Duke met head coach Slaven Bilic and first team players.
Out on the training pitch, Gareth Barry told the prince players had become “more aware” of how to better handle mental health, while midfielder Jake Livermore said: “It’s definitely going in the right direction.”
England international Livermore, lost his newborn son in 2014.
Talking to the No 8 and other players about mental health awareness, William said: “The stats are bad about men and mental health, really bad. It’s not just about the footballing community but about guys who are out there watching, too – trying to get guys to be a bit more open about it.”
The Duke asked: “Do things like social media criticism – does that bother you, does that get to you guys?”
Former England international Barry, who has battled back from a serious knee injury, said: “That’s how football has changed from when I first started, to now. The social media – the younger lads have had to deal with it, and learn about it. In football, especially, they’re trying to educate the young boys coming through, how to deal with it and try to take positives.”
William said: “I know it’s slightly different but it must have the same impact, can we talk about racism? How bad is it at the moment playing-wise? Do you guys feel it at all? Is it happening over here, week in, week out?”
Livermore replied: “Previous clubs I’ve played for have had their fair share of issues. I think the boys here are a together group, we stick together. But we all know someone who went through it.”
William replied: “That’s what worries me as well, is that you guys have to essentially carry that with you. You’ve already got the pressures of playing that weekend. You’ve got to worry about getting that right and you’re getting added criticism from people, unfairly.”