RACISM
Black Members of the England Football Team Have Been Racially Abused
So what the hell are we going to do about it?
The moment Bukayo Saka missed the final penalty a sense of doom came over me, not because we lost (well maybe a little bit), but because black players lost their penalties (Saka, Sancho and Rashford). I knew racist abuse was coming their way. Regrettably, I was correct.
I had not predicted the speed that these bottom feeders would begin their abusive tirade. Within just a few minutes, Saka’s Instagram was filled with vile comments.
Others tweeted their abuse. Despite Twitter removing over 1000 racist comments many slipped through the net. Including one Tweet from a man known as Andrew Bone who works for Savills estate agents. His Twitter account posted something that I don’t want to repeat, the Tweet blamed the players race for the loss and he used racist slurs. You get the idea.
It’s worth mentioning that Bone has denied writing this and claims to have been hacked. Regardless, someone wrote it, along with countless other tweets.
Others took it a step further. They went out to Marcus Rashford’s mural in his hometown in Manchester and defiled it with racist graffiti. Fortunately, it was quickly covered up by decent and upstanding members of the community.
How do we combat this?
It has to be a multifaceted response. There’s no one organisation or person who can deal with it alone, the whole of society has to get involved.
Starting at the top. Yes, I’m talking about you, Mrs Patel and Mr Johnson. At the start of the football tournament Home Secretary, Priti Patel described the players taking the knee prior to matches as ‘political gestures’ and did not support the lads, nor did she condemn the booing from the ‘fans’ when they took the knee. Instead, she appeared to side with them.
Since then she has condemned the racism, the men have received following the loss to Italy, but it’s a case of too little too late. Where was her condemnation before it got to this? England player Tyrone Mings puts it the best.
Tyrone hit the nail on the head here. The home secretary can’t have it both ways. She either consistently stands against racism or she doesn’t. Otherwise, what’s the point?
Will our leaders lead us away from bigotry? You can draw your own conclusions, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
Although ideally we need those at the top of our society to lead by example and help create the change we need, we can’t rely on it.
The focus is on all of us.
Everyone of us has a social responsibility to fight against racism.
What tangible actions can people make to help eradicate racism from society?
At first glance this question might seem complex, but it’s not. That’s been proven by countless people following the abuse the England squad received. People from all walks of life have stood up and made a stand against racism.
Consider Brad Pretty, he posted a vile video of himself on social media. In the video he ranted about the result and used two racist terms to describe members of the England team. After public outcry and anger, the story went viral. People from his local community found out about the video and reacted accordingly. His local pub, which he was a regular in, acted quickly to tell the world that he is now barred and no longer welcome.
His business has been called out too. Pretty has a plastering business known as BK plastering, since his video the company Facebook page has been flooded with negative comments and it has now been shut down. I doubt he will find many customers after this.
The police had been informed of his video and arrested him on suspicion of a malicious communications offence.
Kent police made the following statement,
“On the afternoon of Tuesday 13 July 2021 Kent Police received a referral from the national policing lead for Euro 2020 relating to an offensive video that had been posted on social media. Later that day officers attended an address in Folkestone and arrested a 49-year-old man on suspicion of a malicious communications offence. He was taken into custody pending further enquiries. Kent Police will continue to keep the national policing lead updated and will respond accordingly to any other similar incidents that may be reported to us.”
This is an example of everyone in the community working together to show the world what will and will not be tolerated. This is real, meaningful action, which can lead to tangible change.
This stands as a testament that everyone has a role to play in the fight against racism. Whether you’re a pub manager, a police officer or a kid on twitter, you can do your bit.
There’s more
Remember Marcus Rashford’s mural from earlier in this story? It was defiled with racist slurs, but the community didn’t let it stay this way.
Quickly people went out and covered it up with messages of love, pride and positivity.
Final thoughts
Despite all the recent hatred and abuse, I am still positive for the future, why? Because the pictures above show us that most people want to live harmoniously with one and other regardless of creed, colour or class. The youth of today appear to be more inclusive and aware than the generations before them. Society is changing, despite it sometimes feeling slow it is happening.
That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be vigilant, don’t forget your obligation to call out racism and actively stand against it. Do your bit, play your part.
The future will be colourful.
Growing Up White in A Brown Family | ILLUMINATION (medium.com)
Delilah Brass
July 2021