STARS LOSING FAITH IN RACISM FIGHT

BLACK players are disillusioned with English football’s ambition to force change and are preparing to turn their backs on ‘ineffective’ anti-discrimination PR campaigns. Sportsmail has learned that a host of players have declined to contribute to publicity drives, and others are considering doing the same amid disappointment at their success. There is a worrying perception that such awareness initiatives are simply a public relations exercise. One well-placed source has told Sportsmail that there is a major ‘disconnect’ between players and stakeholders who lead the campaigns. The growing cynicism comes just days after the Premier League completed their own anti-discrimination campaign — No Room For Racism. There was even consternation from those who agreed to be part of this initiative. Some players who gave the green light to be interviewed were said to be perplexed by the line of questioning, including asking black players whether they had discussed racism with their children and whether a white player had ever defended them in the face of discriminatory abuse. The PFA released a research study earlier this week that highlighted the growing rates of online racial abuse black footballers are subjected to. However, Sportsmail knows of a number of footballers who have not been consulted about the appropriate course of action to take if they are targeted by online abuse. A source said: ‘Players want to see actual change. ‘What’s the point in campaign after campaign? ‘We know inequality exists in football, we don’t need players and ex-players to tell us that. Those campaigns are just talk.’