African Sports Monthly January 2013 Issue | Page 24

THE RACISM BATTLE IS FAR FROM WON
A lot has been done in recent
times to eradicate racism from
football but the recent decision
of UEFA regarding the Serbia
V England under 21 game
along with the recent incident
in Italy where Kevin Prince
Boateng had to walk off the
pitch in protest during an A C
Milan Game is very disturbing.
The fact that racism was not
even mentioned in UEFA’s ruling says it all. UEFA fined Serbia for “improper conduct” and
racism was not even mentioned
when it was clear that there
were monkey chants in the stadium. Michel Platini used to
be a good footballer but I feel
he has made a serious faux pas
as president of UEFA. For
Kevin Prince Boateng a recent victim of racist
once I am glad that FIFA Presichants in Italy sporting an anti racism campaign
dent Sepp Blatter has said he
would have a word with him and get the decision reviewed. Racism has
no place in our society and should not be condoned in any form or shape!
Until football authorities start to ban clubs, players and deduct points
from clubs whose fans are racist, racism campaigns would just be what
they are i.e. a façade and eye service! My suggestions are the only way it
can be shown that football authorities including UEFA are serious about
eradicating racism from football!
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