Wow. Lots of hyperbole so far but I think this one takes the cake.
"Potential Formation of the Black Players FA" thread.
- Thread starter Count Orduck
- Start date
Wow. Lots of hyperbole so far but I think this one takes the cake.
Any group or organization that excludes membership based on race, sex, creed is discriminatory, be it a black player's association, women's only gym, or Christian singles mixer.
A better step would be for the PFA to demand all members take some kind of course on diversity in the workplace and sign a document acknowledging they understand the material and that racist anything will not be tolerated. Any players who don't attend by a certain date or refuse the course are dropped from the PFA, likely resulting in their being unable to play for clubs in England.*
*I don't know if this last bit is correct.
A better step would be for the PFA to demand all members take some kind of course on diversity in the workplace and sign a document acknowledging they understand the material and that racist anything will not be tolerated. Any players who don't attend by a certain date or refuse the course are dropped from the PFA, likely resulting in their being unable to play for clubs in England.*
*I don't know if this last bit is correct.
Swap race for discrimination, abuse based on gender and sexual orientation must also be considered here.
In and of itself the above suggestion falls short of what is practically required IMO, as do the thrust of some of Roberts recommendations from what i can gather. We are seeking more than mere implication surely?
I would put forward that we can achieve much in terms of sanctions and responsibility without the drastic action proposed.
Have it mandated that contracts contain a clause regarding a guilty verdict over discrimination, in short that such are terminated once said decision is reached. All players [by association their clubs] will have agreed to this from the off, it serves as both a commitment and a recognised consequence.
The PFA has half suggested this, aftr a fashion.
This BPA couldn't just cut itself off in any event, as they would if anything carry less weight with the insular and cautious minded executives at Uefa/Fifa than the FA do.
The whole idea of a black FA/PFA is nonsense too. It's discrimination, doesn't matter what colour your skin is, who is the minority or majority. What happened to wanting racial equality? I agree with what Clarke Carlisle said
I think I'll leave it at that, I'll end up in an argument with someone if I carry on
This is a much better suggestion than the "Black player's association" idea.
If there is an issue that needs to be addressed then I see no problem with any group of people coming together to make their grievances together.
It's a stupid fecking idea.
I'm open to the idea. Where there has been institutional discrimination against a particular group, as has undoubtedly been the case in football, there is a case for setting up a body to represent that group. It's the same reason the National Black Police Association was established.
Fair enough, but is the BPA necessary at this time or the right type of grouping? Is it too narrow in its focus?
And it seems to me that these players could have stirred up just as much discussion and media attention by going to the media with claims that the PFA was in a mess on the matter. The whole KIO t-shirt thing needn't have been, indeed the general spirit of the message could have been supported.
So they are trying to stop Racism (being treated differently or segregated purely due to skin colour) by segregating themselves..........
Are you saying that to this day English football is institutionally racist? That those high up at the FA and the PL are complicit?
So they are trying to stop Racism (being treated differently or segregated purely due to skin colour) by segregating themselves..........
No. They are not.
If you don't understand the difference between representing yourself and segregating yourself then you probably shouldn't comment in this thread.
Shouldn't comment in this thread? Go crawl up your own arse.
It's a stupid idea because racism is not a serious problem in British football. Just because someone who is known to be a complete cock uses race as an insult does not mean there is a serious issue. The organization will be helping about 2-3 people a year, maybe less, it's fecking stupid.
Name another industry where employees found guilty (by the professional body) of using racist language whilst at work would not be dismissed...
Pretty good point that mate. I know if anyone at our company is found to be guilty of racism, it would be, do not pass go, do not collect $200...Get your coat and get down the fecking road!
Thats a wonderful 'value addition' to our comments. For what its worth, I whole heartedly agree.
Given your literary eloquence, why don't you write the the relevant bodies and make this suggestion?
Though of course I hope that the great minds gathered by the various official parties will have come to your conclusion as a possible scenario.
He didn't have his trial until after the Euros did he?
I'm talking about club football.
That was bollocks, why should football take precedent over a criminal trial?
Footballers are worth millions to clubs, it's understandable that'd they'd do everything to keep them, no matter how big a cock they've been.
Key staff are worth millions to all sorts of companies.
Joint statement by Ferdinands:
http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-F.../rio-and-anton-ferdinand-issue-statement.aspx
http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-F.../rio-and-anton-ferdinand-issue-statement.aspx
I'm sure there are plenty of companies with racist staff high up, who have paid many people off to keep them there.
Again, WTF????
How do YOU know?
Do you play professional football??????????? If you do, my bad. But I suspect you don't and so do not have even an inkling of what goes on.
if you choose to answer, fact based only please.
What I know as a FACT is that one of Manchester United's most decorated and senior current players chose to publicly contradict (and embarrass) his beloved and respected manager on this subject because he feels it is a 'serious problem'.
That good enough for me.
Rio and Anton have released a statement saying they are gonna work with existing structures in FA/PFA
Ferdinands issue statement
Statement issued by New Era Global Sports
It has been a year since the incident at Loftus Road. During that time, some of the deep divisions that exist in football have been exposed. In the coming months there will be ongoing discussions, we are sure, on finding a way forward. We intend to participate in these discussions, along with numerous other current and ex-professionals of all races, from the grass roots upwards, across the football community as a whole.
On the issue of Kick It Out, we would like to go on record to say what fantastic work they have done in the past regarding education and awareness. However, times change and organisations need to change with them. We are more than happy to join the discussion, privately, to make Kick It Out more relevant in its fight to stamp out racism in football.
Although we have been left disappointed by the PFA and the FA's actions over the last year, as a family, we are committed to working with football's existing organisations towards the betterment of the game and to achieve immediate action.
We would like to thank all the fans and the staff at Queens Park Rangers and Manchester United for their support in what has been a difficult year. In particular we want to thank Sir Alex Ferguson and Mark Hughes.
We will not be discussing publicly any issues connected with the case. We are now going to concentrate on playing football.
- Rio and Anton Ferdinand
Statement issued by New Era Global Sports
It has been a year since the incident at Loftus Road. During that time, some of the deep divisions that exist in football have been exposed. In the coming months there will be ongoing discussions, we are sure, on finding a way forward. We intend to participate in these discussions, along with numerous other current and ex-professionals of all races, from the grass roots upwards, across the football community as a whole.
On the issue of Kick It Out, we would like to go on record to say what fantastic work they have done in the past regarding education and awareness. However, times change and organisations need to change with them. We are more than happy to join the discussion, privately, to make Kick It Out more relevant in its fight to stamp out racism in football.
Although we have been left disappointed by the PFA and the FA's actions over the last year, as a family, we are committed to working with football's existing organisations towards the betterment of the game and to achieve immediate action.
We would like to thank all the fans and the staff at Queens Park Rangers and Manchester United for their support in what has been a difficult year. In particular we want to thank Sir Alex Ferguson and Mark Hughes.
We will not be discussing publicly any issues connected with the case. We are now going to concentrate on playing football.
- Rio and Anton Ferdinand
Why would a player not come out if racially abused in these times? There is no reason not to do so.
A black football association isn't going to stop racism. Racism will always exist.
Think you just answered the question.
I don't think they should set one up. Though comments from a few in this thread that setting one up is racist is quite laughable.
FIFA are far worse than the FA at dealing with these issues anyway.
That's a good statement, but anyone else kind of annoyed at the fact that Rio seems to have forgotten that it's not him who was abused....
I don't see the point of Black Players Union because I don't see any example that the FA has treated blacks differently from other players (ie. pay equity) and therefore don't need a separate group to protect their interests, because their interests are the same with every other footballer regardless of race or creed.
The Kick It Out campaign has upset some black footballers, but it's not like players were punished for not wearing the shirt (I doubt Rio was punished in any way) and they weren't forced to wear them by the FA. You disagree with the campaign, you don't endorse it and the FA has been fine with that and aren't punishing anybody.
The biggest problem with racism in football comes from a few idiot fans. A black players union won't change that, but perhaps the FA could be more proactive to combat this and offer a place where people could post videos of racist taunting at games they attend, in a way to help indentify these people and get them removed from attending future matches.
The Kick It Out campaign has upset some black footballers, but it's not like players were punished for not wearing the shirt (I doubt Rio was punished in any way) and they weren't forced to wear them by the FA. You disagree with the campaign, you don't endorse it and the FA has been fine with that and aren't punishing anybody.
The biggest problem with racism in football comes from a few idiot fans. A black players union won't change that, but perhaps the FA could be more proactive to combat this and offer a place where people could post videos of racist taunting at games they attend, in a way to help indentify these people and get them removed from attending future matches.
Because when they do, like Evra and Anton Ferdinand, they subjected to even more vitriol from people from racist tendencies.
And more importantly, that vitriolic bile is not worth the double whammy victimisation they get when they do not get their proven grievances appropriately resolved by the FA.
Please tell me you are winding me up.
A police force isn't going to stop crime. Crime will always exist.
Yes, sadly it will.
But football can choose to take a serious 0% NO TOLERANCE policy against it.
And I would welcome that.
Why would anyone be annoyed by that? It's his brother FFS. Even if it was Darren Bent or someone else, speaking about racism is a Good Thing.
great post!
Because when they do, like Evra and Anton Ferdinand, they subjected to even more vitriol from people from racist tendencies.
And more importantly, that vitriolic bile is not worth the double whammy victimisation they get when they do not get their proven grievances appropriately resolved by the FA.
Please tell me you are winding me up.
Can we not have a discussion without this acting incredulous at every post thing, makes me feel like i'm talking to a 12 year old.
They are subjected to a feck load of support too, it's not like the majority of people are going to accuse them of lying.