Ramage off air over probe into ‘black lads’ comments
STORM OF CRITICISM AFTER EX-RAMS STAR’S RADIO REMARKS
FORMER Rams star and radio pundit Craig Ramage has parted company with the BBC over comments he made about Derby County’s “young black lads”.
Ramage apologised after a storm of criticism following remarks he made during a post-match discussion of the Rams’ game against Huddersfield on Saturday.
FORMER Rams star and BBC Radio Derby pundit Craig Ramage was taken off the air following “unacceptable” comments he made about Derby County’s young black players.
The BBC then confirmed it “would no longer be working” with Ramage after it launched an investigation into comments he made during Radio Derby’s Sportscene show following Phillip Cocu’s side’s 1-1 draw against Huddersfield.
Speaking on the show, the former Rams midfielder said: “When I look at certain players, their body language, their stance, the way they act, you just feel, hold on a minute, he needs pulling down a peg or two.
“So I’d probably say that about all the young black lads, all the young advice if they wanted it, that, you know, it’s about, when you are struggling for form, you are going through a sticky patch, it’s about going back to basics, working hard, and doing the right things.”
The BBC said Ramage would be off air while it investigated but later confirmed “it would no longer be working” with him.
In a tweet last night, Ramage wrote: “I wish to apologise unreservedly for a comment that I made after yesterday’s game.
“What I said was wholly inappropriate and unintentional. Race is irrelevant to the issues that I was discussing and I deeply regret what I said. I sincerely hope that the players accept my apology.”
He continued in a further tweet: “I would like to reiterate my heartfelt apology not only to the players, but also the fans that have listened to me over the past seven years and also to those that followed me throughout my career. I would like to reinforce that this error in no way reflects my personal views.”
Among those who criticised Ramage’s comments was Derby County defender Max Lowe.
Taking to Instagram, Lowe said: “As a young black footballer making my way in the game, I was shocked by comments made by one of the analysts on BBC Radio Derby’s Sportscene programme after our 1-1 draw with Huddersfield.
“With the support from people I have around me – and after reading today that Raheem Sterling is to spearhead an anti-racism and antidiscrimination taskforce on behalf of players from all backgrounds – I have decided to speak out on behalf of black footballers at Derby County.
“Racial ignorance, stereotyping and intolerance negatively affects the image of impressionable young footballers and creates an unnecessary divide in society.
“I am also disappointed that a public service broadcaster did not step in to ask the analyst to explain his reasoning, or to distance themselves from these archaic thoughts.
“This was broadcast at the same time BBC Derby is promoting a 27-minute feature with former Rams defender Charlie Palmer about the difficulties he faced a as a young black footballer in the 1980s.
“As a professional footballer at an ambitious, high-profile Championship club I know that my performances will be scrutinised and I have no problem with that whatsoever – but I do not think it is acceptable for myself and my team-mate Jayden Bogle to be judged by the colour of our skin. Thank you for taking your time reading this – in a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
Liam Rosenior, coach at Derby County also took to Twitter concerning the comments. He wrote: “In my role at Derby County as coach for a long time, I have stayed off social media to do the best I can for the club and focus.
“In reading this quote I HAVE to respond and ask someone at BBC Radio Derby to confirm this quote and I’m happy to challenge this openly. Unacceptable.”
Derby County said the club did not in any way condone any form of discrimination.
A spokesman said: “Derby County Football Club is aware of comments made by a BBC employee after yesterday’s game against Huddersfield Town, directed specifically at a section of our young players.
“We have been in contact with the BBC throughout the day and underline that we do not in any way condone any form of discrimination.
“We take comments like these extremely seriously, we do not tolerate them, and stand shoulder to shoulder, together as one with all our players.”
A BBC spokesperson said: “These comments were completely unacceptable and have been removed. We are investigating how they were included in this podcast.”