Shropshire Star comment: Racism is still rearing ugly head
The fact that we continue to observe racism in our football grounds in 2019 is deeply alarming.
Great strides have been made since the unpalatable days of the 1970s and 80s when racist chants were commonplace.
We are in a better place than we were then. And yet it remains a source of profound regret that some have still not learned their lesson; that there are those who wrongly imagine their gross and demeaning behaviour is somehow acceptable on the sidelines.
It is not.
Telford FC is a fantastic community club and people are rightly proud of it.
Incidents of racial abuse during AFC Telford United’s FA Trophy clash with Leyton Orient have been swiftly condemned, as is right and proper.
But despite the fast action, it remains a source of sorrow that racism is still around in football grounds.
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Compared to the 70s and 80s the issue has largely disappeared for many fans who attend matches every week. Whereas racist chanting was widespread in years gone by it is rarely heard now.
But the fact it does happen is an ongoing cause for concern and shows that we can never be complacent.
Football is a huge source of good. It is a family sport where, largely, parents can take children without feeling threatened.
Great work is done in the community by clubs to ensure they are part of the community. Telford does great work with schools and other groups. All that good work should never be undone by a couple of idiots, but everyone involved in football should be aware of issues and act when necessary.
It is not simply the club that has to take responsibility in such circumstances. Instead, it is better that all members of the footballing community act as one. Those on the terraces who hear such obscenities can find a way to show their unhappiness and opposition. Right-thinking people with the moral upper-hand must report abuse and turn away from those who are guilty of it.
We have come a long way during the past 40 years and yet the days of racism-free grounds are not yet here.
They will come, but we must step up our offensive against bigots, racists and abusers whose foul words and deeds are abhorred.
