Something needs to change to fight against discrimination in football

01 February 2021

Racist and homophobic incidents ocurred on football fields again last week.

Chelsea FC made a statement, disgusted with the racist abuse Racee James received on Instagram on Friday.

“This club finds racism and all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. We totally condemn it.”

“In sport, as in wider society, we must create a social media environment where hateful and discriminatory actions are as unacceptable online as they would be on the street.”

“We add our voice to those urging social media platforms and regulatory authorities to take stronger, more effective and more urgent action against this despicable behaviour.”

“Something needs to change and it needs to change now.”

Reece James gave his opinion in social media too and asked Instagram to do more in combating racism after receiving abuse messages through the platform.

On the other hand, in the match between Morecambe and Tranmere on Saturday, Yann Songo’o was sent off for using abusive and homophobic language.

A statement from Tranmere said: “TRFC have a policy of not commenting publicly on specific disciplinary issues relating to other clubs or their players and therefore will be not making any statement regarding yesterday’s incident. We reiterate our firm belief that there is no place for homophobia within football.”

TRFC have a policy of not commenting publicly on specific disciplinary issues relating to other clubs or their players & therefore will be not making any statement regarding yesterday’s incident.

We reiterate our firm belief that there is no place for homophobia within football.

— Tranmere Rovers FC (@TranmereRovers) January 31, 2021

Rover & Out, an LGBT fan group connected to Tranmere, tweeted on Sunday: “We stand side by side with our club and with players and football fans in showing zero tolerance for homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and other forms of discrimination on the pitch, in the stands and everywhere.

pic.twitter.com/WGPbFNvzJ5

— Rover&Out ! (@roverandout) January 31, 2021

Kick It Out said it supported Rover & Out’s statement and added: “There is no place for homophobic language in football. It is damaging and hurtful. As role models, players in particular should be mindful of the impact of their words.

TAKE A STAND AGAINST RACISM AND DISCRIMATION

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