RACISM NOT BLACK AND WHITE

I WAS called a ‘black b*****d’ when I played for Newton Albion, when I was having trials at Chelsea and QPR, when I played for West Brom, Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds, Southampton, Nottingham Forest, Coventry, Watford, Stockport County, Dublin City and Mansfield Town. I was even called it when I played for Staveley Miners Welfare. I have been called it by individuals in crowds, by groups of fans, opposing managers, opposing coaches, ball boys, kit men, club mascots, and by fat blokes who open the doors to the lounge areas. I have been called it by a player who was playing for the same team as me. I have been called it by other black b*****ds, including Ian Wright, who I love to bits. But it never once felt like racial abuse. I gave as good as I got. When I saw a ginger c*** I called him that but I don’t think I have a narrow-minded prejudice against people with ginger hair. When you play at the top level of any sport, you’ll do anything to gain an advantage. I do not feel racism is especially prevalent in English football — if by ‘racism’ you mean actual prejudice and bigotry. Racist language is used but racist language does not, in my view, necessarily constitute actual racism. There’s a big difference between word and deed.