STEVIE G: WE’VE SHOCKED ’EM
Racism campaigner’s warning over rise in abuse
FOOTBALL is slipping back into the dark ages after another rise in discriminatory abuse, equality campaigners Kick It Out reveal in a disturbing new report.
Watchdog Troy Townsend, whose son Andros plays for Crystal Palace, says the problem at grassroots levels is “horrendous” – and parents on touchlines are among the worst offenders.
“We are at our most worrying period of time within the game,” warned Townsend, Kick It Out’s education manager.
“The risk is that it’s taking us back to a time which some people thought never existed. Twenty-five years ago, hatred towards black players was at its highest. But how far have we come?
“The game has to look at itself. These figures should be a sharp reminder that we are not as far forward as maybe we thought.”
Among the statistics – collated across all levels of the game from the Premier League, EFL, non-League, women’s football and grassroots – are shocking trends including... Reports of racism make up 53 per cent of the 520 incidents logged in 2017-18, up 11 per cent from 469 the previous season.
One in 10 complaints involved antisemitism. Homophobia remains unchecked, with 111 reported cases in the 12-month period (up nine per cent).
Offensive cases of disability discrimination doubled (from 14 to 29).
Across the professional game there was a 10 per cent increase overall from 194 to 214 cases.
Although there was a 13 per cent drop in cases of sexism, Townsend told the BBC: “I’d like to be optimistic, but, after the statistics provided, there’s no way I can be and believe that things will be OK two or three years down the line.”
In a statement, Kick It Out chairman Lord Ouseley said: “It is hugely disappointing to have to reveal, yet again, increasing levels of discriminatory abuse at football.
“These trends reflect, in part, what is happening in the rest of society, where hate crime reports have doubled over the last year. Much good work is being done to prevent and counter unacceptable behaviour but the professional leagues and their clubs must do more.”
The FA have funded two extra grassroots officers, embedded with Kick It Out, to work with clubs and their county associations partly to raise awareness and report incidents of discrimination.
v8pm Europa League, Group G
STEVEN GERRARD thinks Rangers were initially viewed as easy meat by their Europa League rivals – but insists they will not think that now.
The Ibrox boss can steer his side a step closer to the last 32 if they win tonight.
He said: “There is certainly belief in the team that we can make it to the last 32. I think we have been the surprise team in this group. I don’t think the opposition teams gave us much chance.
“I remember back to the draw, we were the underdogs and the likes of Spartak Moscow and Villarreal saw us as comfortable opposition. I think everyone’s aware of our threat now.”