BENNETT: TIME FOR CHANGES

EXCLUSIVE

GARY BENNETT insists progress on tackling racism in sport will only happen when there is some change in diversity at board level.

The former Sunderland defender was awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list for his tireless campaigning on racism.

But the 60-year-old looked on in dismay at the ramblings of Middlesex cricket chairman Mike O’Farrell giving evidence to MPs last week.

O’Farrell, who later apologised, had blamed the lack of diversity in the county’s sides on black youngsters preferring football or rugby, and players of south Asian background ditching cricket for academic education.

Bennett (right) said: “This is yet another example of the stereotyping that is going on in sport. His views are outdated. They are totally, totally wrong.

“What has made him come up with these ludicrous suggestions?

“It’s obviously been instilled in him – and probably in many others in boardrooms – over the years.

“Similar views are still deeply ingrained in certain people and it won’t change until there is proper representation right across the spectrum, including boardrooms, amongst managers and coaches in all different sports, and in the media.

“Until such changes, this sort of muddled thinking will continue. Representation helps to educate.”

Bennett, who has worked with Show Racism The Red Card, added: “People ask me if stopping racism has improved. Sadly, it hasn’t improved – and is there a real appetite to force a change?

“Take a look at football and cricket boardrooms, they are devoid of black faces.

“So it’s no surprise when many don’t think there is a racial issue.”