KICK IT OUT RACE APP DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY
A MOBILE phone app set up by Kick It Out to allow supporters to report racist abuse is ‘not fit for purpose’, according to sources at a number of Premier League clubs.
The app, created by the game’s anti-discrimination organisation, was introduced in 2013 and updated two years later. It is supposed to allow fans to report instances of racist abuse instantly and anonymously from inside the ground.
An alert is sent to the safety officer at the stadium who is then expected to call stewards who deal with the incident.
However, Sportsmail has heard from officials at top-flight clubs who claim that in some cases their stadium officers have not been alerted until hours after the final whistle.
While retrospective action is possible, the fear is that by not being able to act on reports instantly clubs are being put at a disadvantage — and racist thugs may escape punishment.
A source said: ‘There have been instances where the report hasn’t dropped until Saturday evening, when the match has been played on Saturday afternoon. If the emphasis is on catching these idiots straight away then the app cannot be deemed fit for purpose. There is not much a safety officer can do when the alert drops and they are sat at home watching Strictly Come Dancing.’
In response to the allegation, Kick It Out said the app is one of a number of ways for fans to report discriminatory behaviour, along with text services set up by clubs and alerting stewards and security staff at the ground.
They added that anything sent on the app when the user is offline will be delayed until their signal returns and that many fans collect evidence first and send it in later.
Kick It Out have previously said that in the 2014-15 season, 36 per cent of reports of abuse were made via the app. In 2015 it was updated to allow supporters to attach video and pictures.
Meanwhile, the Premier League have distanced themselves from reports that they are setting up a new organisation to compete with Kick It Out.
The Premier League this week launched the No Room for Racism campaign, which prompted fears that it was aimed at taking over from Kick It Out, which is being investigated by the Charity Commission over staff welfare.
A Premier League spokesperson said: ‘No Room for Racism is a message we will display for the next two match rounds on our social and digital media channels, on perimeter boards and elsewhere in stadia.
‘This activity is complementary to Kick It Out and their logo will be prominently used, including on special captain’s armbands, to recognise the significant contribution they have made to anti- discrimination in football over the last 25 years.’