Bath-Knight Blog

Discrimination in Football Summit with David Cameron

I’ve always believed that sport has a brilliant way of bringing people together. Whether it’s watching or playing there seems to be a great sense of community.  I often think that this is why we encourage children to become actively involved in sport.

However it would appear that sports are becoming plagued by discrimination. Football in particular has seen a surge in racially motivated rows. Liverpool FC’s Luis Suarez was recently ordered an eight match band following a racist attack on Patrice Evra and former England captain, John Terry, will face trial in the summer after allegedly racially assaulting Anton Ferdinand.

Summit- David Cameron, David Bernstein & John Barnes

I personally feel a sense of disappointment in the recent up rise of racism in football and I know that is this echoed by others too. I can’t help but question whether some professional sportsmen accept their responsibility in sustaining positivity and equality in sport.

Prime Minister David Cameron has himself admitted that racism is unfortunately creeping back into the world of football and with his admission he hosted ‘Discrimination in Football Summit’ at 10 Downing Street yesterday to tackle to problem head on.

The summit was attended by ex-footballers and representatives from the FA including Stoke-On-Trent based Noel Blake, who is currently Head Coach/Manager of England’s Under 19’s squad. Each is actively involved in football but more importantly is passionate about eradicating discrimination in sport. Working with the government they hope to make a positive step forward in achieving such.

Summit- Gordon Taylor, Nic Coward & Greg Clarke...

Yesterday the government also pledged £3 million into the Football Association’s National Coaching Centre – St George’s Park here in Staffordshire. This will provide more opportunities for talented coaches and managers of the future. It is hoped that more black people and those from ethnic minorities will become involved; making the coaching centre an incentive which is incredibly encouraging for young people.

I’m happy to see that action is taking place. However I believe that its essentials for the summit’s message to transcend throughout the entire football community- clubs, manager, coaches, players and fans. As a strict no-tolerance attitude is the only answer for modern day football in England.