This is not a battle for today, it is a battle every day
KAZIM-RICHARDS: WE MUST STAY COMMITTED TO THE FIGHT AGAINST RACISM, NOT JUST SAY THE RIGHT THING WHILE IT IS FASHIONABLE
COLIN KAZIM RICHARDS has urged fans and players to remain committed to the fight against racism “every minute of every day”.
Born in London and now playing in Mexico for Pachuca, he is heartened by the protests following the death of George Floyd, but joined others in expressing the need to keep up the pressure.
“I’ve watched this last week and seen many people galvanized into both acting and speaking out,” said the 33-year-old, whose former clubs include Celtic, Sheffield United, Brighton and Arsenal.
“In essence I applaud this. But only if we’re all now willing to live this every minute of every day. You must be prepared and willing to fight every single day of your life at every juncture, by whatever means are necessary at that time. I have always done that.
“You must be prepared to lose everything you have in order to gain e v e rything you need every single minute of your life. It doesn’t always mean aggression or physicality, as I believe the pen can be mightier than the sword. If you’re not prepared to do that please don’t call for justice for George Floyd because you’re part of the problem not part of the solution.”
Opening up on his cultural heritage and a refusal to tolerate racism he believes cost him a career in England, the former Turkey international added: “I’m an east Londoner of mixed race.
“My father is Antiguan and of Irish heritage. My mother, a Turkish Cypriot from Kandu, educated in the UK during the troubles.
“My wife is from Brazil, so my three children are halfBrazilian. I speak four languages, have played for 15 clubs, lived in eight countries, winning 10 titles.
“Anyone who really knows me, knows how fiercely proud I am of my entire ancestry. My father’s nan was mixed race. Her father was white Irish from Cork. Our family name is Sheridan. We’ve begun to research them as I’d love to know more about my Irish ancestry.
“I’ve had a very good career but it’s been affected by my obstinate stance on all types of racism, bullying and oppressive behaviour.
“I suffered abuse at the hands of football club supporters, teachers, police, coaches and managers and political systems all my life.
“The day after returning from Euro 2008, I was handcuffed, pushed face down to the ground in Walthamstow, east London. For what? Driving a nice car and fitting the description. This without me saying a word for once.
“Of course I wasn’t charged or arrested, mainly because I hadn’t done anything wrong.
“I walked out on my boyhood club, the club of my dreams, because they refused to protect me or even acknowledge the abuse.
“I can look back now and say that if I just sat and took it like a good boy I could have been able to achieve top status in the UK. Would I go back and do it differently? No way.
“Many of my colour and creed have been described as having a chip on their shoulder.
“So, someone has an attitude towards being badly treated and that’s wrong? How?
“The thing is, that description is only labelled at black, brown and poor people.”