By Chris Kirwan
October 23 2002

The efforts to alleviate racism in football have been stepped up by the abuse that several English clubs have suffered in European ties; but at times it seems that the issue of racism is being labelled as the problems of others rather than a problem that affects every club.

The comments made by Gerard Houllier were remarks that we all agree with, and his stance has to be admired. But it seems to me that the notion that Liverpool were likely to suffer racial abuse because they were playing in Eastern Europe was racist in itself. The Spartak fans were tarred with the same brush as the Slovenians without any evidence other than they were classed as being from the East of the continent. Sometimes it seems that the buck is being passed, and that there is a reluctance to admit that racism is present in our own country.

Fortunately there was no racial abuse directed at the Liverpool players, but while everybody was concerned about what would happen when Liverpool travelled to Moscow there are reports of more racism in our very own domestic game. Football365.com report that referee Phil Prosser has reported Brighton fans to the FA for racially abusing both him and Sheffield United forward Peter Ndlovu at Saturday’s game. The idea coming from some quarters that racism is a problem that we have to educate others about is sadly mistaken; we have to get our own house in order before preaching to others.

What’s happening is similar to last year when Everton decided to up the ante when it came to targeting racism. Whereas the ‘Kick it Out’ organisation commended Everton for taking an active role in attempting to combat the problem, other clubs got on their high horses and seemed to adopt the view “well they’ve always had their problems”. Once again most clubs were in self-denial, and were oblivious that it is a problem that they are part of. Evertonians became figures of amusement for many who labelled Everton a racist club, and wallowed in their club’s inactivity. Personally I was extremely proud that the club that I love were prepared to admit that racism was an issue and had set about doing something about it, whereas lesser clubs harboured their racist fans for fear of damaging their public image.

What worries me is that we’d all admit that racism exists in all spheres of life, yet some seem to believe that their club does not suffer from the problem. If racism exists in all areas of life what makes football a safe haven? The notion that some clubs and countries do not have the problem is frankly ridiculous. Football is in a position whereby it is a medium that can actually get through to the morons who make so many peoples lives a misery, and can influence other spheres of life. Rather than clubs and countries just preaching about what they would do if they suffer from racism they should ensure that they attempt to confront the racist elements of their own club.

The racism debate got into full stride because England suffered at the hands of racism, why did it take such an incident to provide such a catalyst. Why had the forces in charge of England not tackled the racism that comes from every crowd that watches internationals in England, namely the booing of the opposition’s national anthem? Every club and country has to live up to this responsibility rather than passing the buck onto others.
'Kick It Out'. Football's anti-racism campaign. Help get racism out of Goodison