Plasters and Old Wounds

The UK’s social and institutional approach to racism in football has usurped headlines and timelines of late.

Last week alone we’ve seen Terry lose his arm band, Capello raise two fingers to the situation, Suarez miss the memo about handshakes and a Manchester United fan banned from football for three years for unacceptable behaviour.

Institutional responses to some of the recent offences feel inconsistent and haphazard because they are. England have been clear about their commitment to stamping out racism, but weren’t clear on how exactly to approach the issues.

Whilst the search is still on for the best approach to this inconvenient issue, England are at least making the effort to keep their social misfits from causing offence beyond UK borders. The Manchester United fan who was fined for racially abusing striker Kenwyne Jones has not only earned himself a three year ban from any football ground in England or Wales, he must also surrender his passport when England play internationals abroad.

Harsh? Maybe. Effective? Hopefully.

Whether or not other countries see the need to address the issue is another blog for another day.

A Second Look at Instant Replay

Technology and football is a combination many have been crying out for but to no avail. You would have thought that after the Hand of God incident officials would clamour at the opportunity to utilise technology in football matches but it seems those at the helm of FIFA don’t think it’s such a good idea.

During the Lakers v Bulls game on Christmas Day I noted how the referees were happy to use instant replay before giving a foul in instances where they were unsure. There was no booing from fans, there didn’t appear to be any resistance from players and the game was officiated fairly.

If football sought to utilise these resources, the recent match between Everton and Sunderland might have ended with a win for Sunderland. Those of us who watched the replays clearly saw that the only thing that brought Osman down in the penalty area was his own two feet. Despite the outrage from fans and players alike, a penalty was nonetheless rewarded and Sunderland had to settle for a draw.

There has always been the argument that introducing technology to football will have a negative impact on the pace of the game, but I suspect Sunderland fans will vehemently disagree with that sentiment. Technology doesn’t need to be cumbersome as is evidenced by its role in rugby, basketball, tennis and cricket.

Sepp Blatter reckons goal line technology could be in place by the 2012 – 2013 season, here’s hoping instant replays are introduced at the same time.

This IS Martin Jay

Martin Jay is probably best known as a radio presenter, but what some people fail to appreciate is that he is a bonafide sports fan. Martin is well versed on a number of sports teams from QPR to the Windies - as a matter of fact, it was Martin that decided that the best response to England’s Barmy Army was none other than Big Pappy’s Liming Brigade. The Liming Brigade gave Windies supporters a unit to associate with when travelling around the country to watch the boys play.

Over the years Martin has met many a cultural influencer and has become a bit of an influencer himself. So when Martin’s time at the Choice FM’s Breakfast Show came to an end, he grabbed the opportunity to launch his latest project – thisismartinjay.com

Thisismartinjay.com combines his knowledge of and passion for music, sports and the Caribbean and he’s kicked off my favourite segment with an interview with Tasha Danvers. Whilst it may not be what you’re used to from Martin Jay, it certainly won’t disappoint. Bookmark this site and stay tuned for more interviews with local movers and shakers.

‘I’m looking forward to showcasing sports persons like Jade Johnson, Scottie Newman,  Jermaine McGlashan – athletes who I feel deserve a little more recognition for their hard work’.

You can follow Martin Jay on Twitter @Martinjay

Is It So Terry-ble?

The Race Row – uurrrgh. The issue of racism - or any ‘ism’ – is a serious one. Whether on the pitch, in the boardroom or on a night bus - it is simply unacceptable. The problem with ‘isms’ is that there is really weird, wriggly line that separates intended hatred from ignorance. Race at its simplest is a characteristic, much as height, weight or hair colour is. Unfortunately, race is a characteristic that has caused many people worldwide and through the ages to be subjected to discrimination and persecution.

The trouble with verbal irresponsibility is that regardless of whether or not the words come from a place of hatred, they inevitably rip scabs off of centuries-old wounds.

I can only comment on what has been printed in the papers because I wasn’t on the pitch and did not hear the utterance for myself. The inability to comment on the facts is what has led me to take an objective viewpoint on this situation.

In my opinion, intention and interpretation are what ultimately define ignorance, prejudice and racism. When Michael Richards seemingly lost the plot and released a torrent of racially insensitive rhetoric during one of his acts, there was little question about his intent and even less room for misinterpretation. Mel Gibson’s lapses aren’t even worth analysing.

So when I review the allegations relating to the current race row, I see ignorance – not racism. The comment in question involved the combination of an adjective and a naughty noun. The noun is arguably the more offensive of the two words, the adjective raises eyebrows, but the combination of the two words seems to be the catalyst of the most recent race row.

The other issue at hand is that the individual in question is one whose role as England captain holds a level of symbolism. I’m sure the captain in question was selected for this role because of his ability to lead the team whilst on the pitch… I highly doubt he was chosen to act as a representative of British sentiment.

Whatever the outcome of this particular incident, it Is clear that the issue of race, sports and public reaction is obviously not going anywhere in a hurry as is evidenced by recent stories concerning Ameobi and Tiger Woods.

However, based on my first comment about race being no more than a characteristic, I can’t help but ask – had the offensive phrase in question included the term ‘blonde c***’, would the public reaction have been so explosive?

Black List Awards 2011 - In short

Chris Powell
Charlton Athletic Manager

Due to recent allegations of racism on the pitch, the timing of the 2011 Black List Awards can only be described as uncanny. Regardless of what the FA investigation uncovers, the allegations introduced a new level of purpose and relevance to the awards.

Thankfully, in 2008 co-founders Leon Mann and Rodney Hinds understood the need to recognise members of the community who contribute not only to the game, but to the diversity of an association. By speaking with their actions and not merely their words, they have created a platform whereby guests can be educated and nominees can be celebrated.

Well done to the nominees and founders – I look forward to attending next year.

See Natasha Henry’s review of the Black List Awards here