NLP’s Big Fat Survey: Racism still heard at our grounds

THE NLP can reveal that nearly 50 per cent of readers who answered our survey have heard racist comments at a Non-League ground – with a staggering 33 per cent hearing remarks as recently as last season.

The statistics show there is an issue with racism at all levels of the game that still needs to be addressed.

Last season Dartford goalkeeper Jason Brown reported he had racist abuse aimed at him by a supporter during the Conference game at Bristol Rovers in October. Brown reported the incident to the referee during the game before police opened an investigation.

In April, 43-year-old John Wild was found guilty of racially abusing the former Wales international and handed a three-year banning order as well as 12 months’ community service.

As our survey highlights, the problem many people think has been overcome is still alive. In total, 48.48 per cent of people confirmed they’ve heard racist comments. But even more worryingly, 221 of responses (33 per cent) said as recently as last season.

A further 48 per cent of people confirmed the comments they had heard were within the last ten years. More than ten years ago came out as nine per cent, more than 20 years ago at six per cent, while four per cent last experienced it more than 30 years ago.

The same question around sexist comments produced similar results. When asked, ‘Have you ever heard sexist comments at a Non-League ground?’, 56 per cent said yes, with 51 per cent hearing them last season.

Thirty-seven per cent confirmed they had heard homophobic comments – and 53 per cent were last season.

Football’s leading anti-racism group Kick it Out say The NLP’s findings show there needs to be greater understanding of the problems affecting the game.

Awareness

Troy Townsend, Education and Development Manager at Kick It Out, told The NLP: “The results of The NLP’s Big Non-League Survey proves racist and discriminatory behaviour is prevalent across Non-League football.

“It is important that there is a greater understanding of these issues and how they affect everyone participating in Non-League throughout the country, whether it be playing, coaching, officiating, supporting or in any other capacity.

“We encourage anybody who sees, hears or is on the receiving end of discriminatory abuse to report it to us via the free Kick It Out app or our freephone number 0800 169 9414.

“It is hoped the consultation can follow on from the results of The NLP’s survey to help raise awareness of the challenges tackling discrimination at grassroots level.”

The FA echoed Kick it Out’s response with a spokesman adding: “We urge anyone who believes they have seen or heard discriminatory language or behaviour to report it via to either a steward or anonymously by using the Kick It Out app.

“The FA and its anti-discrimination partners such as Kick It Out and Show Racism the Red Card, continue to work hard to educate and raise awareness around equality and inclusion, and ensure reporting discrimination of any form, is a straightforward process.

“Our procedures for investigating discrimination are robust and ever evolving, and include producing written reasons for each case, increasing the diversity of the local anti-discrimination panels who preside over grassroots cases, and mandatory education courses for those found guilty.”