Racism in football

[SerenityNigh]

A statement from Inter Ultras

 

[SerenityNigh]

Apologies if this duplicates an existing conversation

No apologies for bringing up the topic again. If it continues to exist I feel it still needs to be discussed. Not all may agree it’s appropriate for this medium.

 

[LEONARD]

Sadly being part of crowd, drinking too much alcohol, and having limited intelligence, will continue to result in racism at footy matches.

 

[SerenityNigh]

Sadly being part of crowd, drinking too much alcohol, and having limited intelligence, will continue to result in racism at footy matches.

In this instance it’s the Inter Ultras supporting the rights of Calgiari Ultras to racially abuse Inter players

 

[chrismpw]

Racism is utterly illogical and demonstrates a tiny brain capacity desperate to shove a number of things into one box for easy processing.

People should be judged on what they choose to do, not what they are born into.

 

[Ring master]

Cagliari seem to get away with it more than most, Kean, Lukaku just a few of the players over the years at that ground, though i fail to see how anyone anywhere ever would be able to stop it,seems almost impossible to stop,bans and points took off i doubt would stop them

 

[Seathestars]

UEFA could have made a statement when Yaya Toure was abused in Russia, but no they basically gave them a slapped wrist.
Ignorance from those in authority is part of the problem. Not all I know, I think society needs to look at itself too. The silence from those with influence is deafening I think.
I mean Messi, Ronaldo and others right at the top, someone needs to take a stand.

 

[LEONARD]

In this instance it’s the Inter Ultras supporting the rights of Calgiari Ultras to racially abuse Inter players

Were they claiming it was some kind of cultural norm?

 

[SerenityNigh]

Were they claiming it was some kind of cultural norm?

Yes more or less. It’s in the pink at the top.

*link

 

[jaycee]

Its a strange one,the clubs dont seem bothered by it,with the exception of the one getting the abuse,the players dont seem bothered,the Italian F A dont seem to care and the footballing aurthories havent done anything

 

[SerenityNigh]

UEFA could have made a statement when Yaya Toure was abused in Russia, but no they basically gave them a slapped wrist.
Ignorance from those in authority is part of the problem. Not all I know, I think society needs to look at itself too. The silence from those with influence is deafening I think.
I mean Messi, Ronaldo and others right at the top, someone needs to take a stand.

Good point. Anyone can take a stand where they are, whether FIFA, players, owners, or Gwladys.

 

[Efcjake]

Every instance of it recorded on a camera should come with a points deduction. Until they start hurting the clubs over this and force them into taking appropriate action then the status quo is going to continue.

 

[SerenityNigh]

A statement from Inter Ultras

Here is the full text of the statement by the Inter Ultras, for those who have not read it:

“Hi Romelu, we are writing you on behalf of Curva Nord, yes the guys who welcomed you at your arrival in Milan.

“We are really sorry you thought that what happened in Cagliari was racist.

“You have to understand that Italy is not like many other north European countries where racism is a REAL problem.

“We understand that it could have seemed racist to you, but it is not like that.

“In Italy we use some ‘ways’ only to ‘help our teams’ and to try to make our opponents nervous, not for racism, but to mess them up.

“We are a multi-ethnic fans organisation and we have always welcomed players from everywhere. However, we have always used that ‘way’ with other teams’ players in the past and we probably will in the future.

“We are not racist and so are not the Cagliari fans.

“You have to understand that in all Italian stadiums people cheer for their teams, but at the same time they use to cheer against the opponents, not for racism, but to ‘help’ their own team.

“Please consider this attitude of Italian fans as a form of respect for the fact they are afraid of you for the goals you might score against their teams and not because they hate you or they are racist.

“True racism is a completely different story and all Italian football fans know it very well.

“When you declare that racism is a problem to be fought in Italy you just help the repression against all football fans including us and you contribute to create a problem that is not really there, not in the way that is perceived in other countries.

“We are very sensitive and inclusive with all people. We guarantee you that in our organisation there are many fans of different races or fans coming from other parts of Italy that also use this way to [provoke] their opponents even when the have the same races or are coming from the same areas.

“Please help us to clarify what racism really is and that Italian fans are not racist.

“The fight to REAL racism has to begin in schools, not in the stadiums, fans are just fans and they behave in different ways when inside the stadium as opposed to when they are in real life.

“I guarantee you that what they do or say to an opponent player of another race is not what they would ever say to someone they would meet in real life.
“Italian fans may not be perfect and we can understand your frustration with these expressions but they are definitely not meant to be racist.

“Once again… Welcome Romelu.”

 

[TheBigIguana]

The punishments are far too lenient. If it is widespread enough to punish a club/national federation, that organization should be punished harshly. First incident is one game behind closed doors and 3 years probation. Second time in those 3 years is 10 games closed and 10 points off the table plus extension of the probation. A third time let's actually kick it out. Relegate the club or remove the nation from the tournament they're currently in. Enough of this ten thousand fine and a strongly worded statement nonsense.

 

[SerenityNigh]

The punishments are far too lenient. If it is widespread enough to punish a club/national federation, that organization should be punished harshly. First incident is one game behind closed doors and 3 years probation. Second time in those 3 years is 10 games closed and 10 points off the table plus extension of the probation. A third time let's actually kick it out. Relegate the club or remove the nation from the tournament they're currently in. Enough of this ten thousand fine and a strongly worded statement nonsense.

IMO, this is a bit harsh, and what is required is something between the status quo (not talking about it) and relegating teams because their ultras are abusive. My aim is to make sure it's properly discussed, if that has any merit.