Stamp out this blight in our game
Club launch inquiry after full back mocks African salesmen
IT IS depressing to see racism raise its ugly head in football again.
The heart sinks when you think of how black players must feel when they are picked on because of their skin colour.
The images of grown men, their faces contorted in hatred, verbally abusing Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling last weekend were disgraceful.
Here in Scotland, Hearts have had to ban two “supporters” who singled out a black Motherwell player and morons at Falkirk even abused one of their own players.
Scott Sinclair was targeted by an idiot Aberdeen fan who verbally attacked the Celtic star because he is black.
The Dundee United player “blacking up”, which we report today, embarrassed himself and his club. Accepting dumb behaviour like this creates an environment for real bigots to thrive.
If we want to stamp out this scourge in our society then we all need to call out racism whenever and wherever we see it.
The harsher climate we now live in, where there is hostility to immigrants and right-wing populism grows, is being reflected in football grounds.
These unthinking, cruel bullies picking on black players represent a society changing in many ways for the worse.
The challenge for all of football is to stop this outburst of racism in its tracks.
And it can do more.
Football can lead the way in making a difference not only in the stands but in the streets beyond the cauldrons of the sometimes not-so-beautiful game.
FOOTBALL star Jamie Robson is to be carpeted by bosses after “blacking up” for a fancy dress party.
The shameful outfit donned by the Dundee United left back stereotyped Africans selling fake goods in hotspots such as Spain.
The photo of Robson, 20, was posted on social media over the weekend, sparking an inquiry by his club.
The picture shows Robson wearing a hi-vis bib, an umbrella hat, a white T-shirt and shorts with black leggings underneath.
He is seen holding two signs – one reading: “Cheap as chips,” with pairs of sunglasses attached and another reading: “Buy 1 Get 5 free,” with bracelets.
United manager Robbie Neilson said: “I spoke to him briefly.
“The standards at this football club have to kept at the highest level.
“We will chat again later with him and the club will deal with it in-house.
“We are a big football club and we get a lot of exposure. The players, staff and everyone associated with it needs to realise that.
“When you are out and about and doing different things you are representing the club and the fans.
“So we will deal with it over the next few days.”
Supporters took to social media to voice their concerns over Robson’s behaviour.
Richard Wilson said on Twitter: “Dundee United’s Jamie Robson is obviously getting into trouble for this bit of fancy dress.
“Some calling for a sacking – unsure whether it’s that or just a very sharp education the boy needs.”
Another user said: “Jamie Robson blacked up for a night out? What a fantastic excuse to rip up his contract.
“Second time in 12 months he’s brought club into disrepute. Brainless on and off the pitch.”
The incident comes nearly a year after a video clip from Snapchat showed Robson drinking from a pint glass while driving.
He was called in for talks with the club but they took no further action against him and said they were satisfied the drink was not alcoholic.