It is now two months since the Raheem Sterling incident in early December and what progress can be reported? There have been several incidents of homophobic, Islamophobic, anti-Semitic and racist abuse and incidents, as well as some violence, at football matches.
Chelsea have been visibly and admirably encouraging fans to conduct themselves appropriately and warning of the sanctions they are applying resolutely against any perpetrators of unacceptable abuse, mainly through direct face-to-face interventions by chairman Bruce Buck.
The FA has hinted at decisive, coherent action which may be forthcoming soon. The Premier League says it is on the brink of introducing far-reaching, innovative action and we await confirmation and affirmation of what that means in effect and reality.
But it is all too slow, piecemeal, insufficient, uncoordinated and incoherent. It is always a promise of jam tomorrow, never today. And, after more than a quarter of a century pursuing policies, programmes and actions to achieve equality, inclusion and diversity in football, the expectation remains that we will always have to hang on for tomorrow, which often never arrives.
Football is at the equality and inclusion crossroads again and is uncertain whether to stick or twist.
Recurring problem
When Raheem was abused by some Chelsea fans, the incident was witnessed by those in attendance at Stamford Bridge and by millions of viewers at home and around the world. Sterling was clearly hurting but held his peace, dignity and neither made a fuss nor did he complain.
There was little or no reaction from others on the pitch, including his team-mates, the match officials or stadium administration or his manager and assistant coaches. It all remained quiet until the next day when Raheem used a social media platform to alert the world to the abuse he experienced. It started a debate about the media’s responsibility in perpetuating racial stereotyping, reinforcing prejudices and indirectly contributing to the racial abuse incidents which seem to be a recurring feature in recent months. Raheem gave an example of discriminatory treatment as evidence to substantiate his story.
It puts into perspective the difficulty people face when abused. They have to decide whether to challenge the abusers instantly, delay doing so or do nothing. The latter two are the ones that give strength to the abusers to perpetuate such atrocities as serial offenders. But why did no one else do something until Raheem took matters in hand himself?
Are those in power oblivious?
Perhaps Raheem should have complained to the referee immediately when the incident occurred. Had he done so, the game might have been stopped momentarily and the stadium administrators and their security officers and stewards alerted to attend the area where the abuse occurred and to take appropriate action. A tannoy announcement would possibly have been made reminding fans about their personal responsibilities not to engage in unacceptable abusive conduct, which would be severely punished. That process, if applied, would have been a joy to behold, sending out powerful messages to the perpetrators and a likely end of the matter because of the decisive nature of the action taken.
Because no-one else in authority took immediate responsibility for what occurred at that match between Chelsea and Manchester City, Sterling decided to put his own assessment into the public arena subsequently. While some in the media raged about being blamed for perpetuating racial prejudice, serious questions were asked about who did what or nothing among the decision makers, the leaders and the authorities in football. Did the FA not observe the incident and what was its reaction? It was a top-of-the-range Premier League game but the incident seemed to have passed them by. And, what about Chelsea and what was witnessed by the directors of both clubs? Manchester City is Sterling’s employer and their silence almost suggested that they might have been oblivious to their duty of care due to their highly prized member of staff who was being abused at his place of work? And, what about his Trade Union, the Professional Footballers’ Association? And what about the fans and supporters’ organisations?
Of course it would be unfair and wrong not to acknowledge how much progress has been made in tackling abuse and violence in football at all levels and all of the bodies named above have made their different and valuable contributions. But it is clearly not enough. Worse is the way in which football continues to respond to the matter of equality and inclusion without the essential coherence needed across the entirety of the game. Unless there is collaboration in supporting each other in moving this agenda forward collectively and purposefully, there will continue to be limited progress and piecemeal activity lacking the dynamic impact required to dismantle the institutionalised arrogance and complacency.
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