Asian journalist Nazir Musa has examined the lack of diversity amongst football fans, whilst sharing some of his own experiences on the terraces.
Not so long ago, a high level study by the Commission for Racial Equality reported persistent racism amongst football supporters, keeping many from attending matches.
Despite nearly two-thirds of professional players now coming from minorities, non-white supporters number less than 2%.
The study added "The number of ethnic minority spectators attending matches is well below the number that might be expected from the proportion of ethnic minorities in the UK population, especially when considering the location of football club grounds - many are in areas of high ethnic minority populations."
A 2004 study showed that, while black players are well represented on the pitch, making up a fifth of the Premiership's 557 players, just two were Asian and four were Chinese.
Initiatives
Four years later on and despite the best will in the world and a number of initiatives such as Kick It Out, prayer facilities at grounds such as at Blackburn Rovers and even temporary selling of ‘Halal’ pies at Preston North End has the situation really changed much?
As a lifelong minority football fan, my experiences are mainly positive of late.
I remember vividly days when the late Justin Fashanu was pelted with banana skins at Ewood Park, much to the amusement of the ‘bobby’ on the touchline.
The likes of Cyril Regis and the late Laurie Cunningham excelling themselves where it mattered amidst undue pressures both on and off the pitch.
Upon the final whistle, it really was a matter of taking your life in your hands in the 1970’s. You stuck rigidly to the pre-match instructions from an older sibling and to the escape plan, which for me was usually the grassy verge behind the Riverside End at Ewood Park.
To exit at full speed, avoiding louts, bent on seeking a ‘Pakistani’ – a feat that made up for their team's loss.
Abuse
These days attending football matches is sheer luxury by comparison.
Well, it is if you attend most Premier League grounds like Blackburn Rovers.
I must admit that upon hearing the likes of Mido getting hot under the collar when faced with a torrent of anti-Islamic abuse by Newcastle fans, matters seemed to be blown out of all proportion.
The authorities' decision will be interesting as Mido has suffered the same fate two years running by the same set of Geordie fans.
It is crucial that the FA act accordingly and stamp out such narrow minded acts from so called fans.
Society's characteristics
Football stadia typify society and its characteristics by and large. And you will get some idiots somewhere making a stupid comment.
Under the current economic climate there is much to be said for sport and religion to be kept apart. As talk of a credit crunch, job losses, re-possessions and the like take hold there may be a real danger of certain fans being dragged into the gutter again.
We are entering times when footballing authorities need to be extra vigilant and maintain zero-tolerance for any racism or unruly behaviour on or off the pitches.
Maintaining of high profile security and 100% screening of items allowed into stadiums is paramount to maintain the years of good work done in this regard.
The time has arrived equally for the likes of Muslim players like Robin Van Persie, Nickolas Anelka, Mido, Emre, Tugay and Kolo ‘Habib’ Toure to name a few to rise above these incidents and continue to be excellent role models for future minority players.
From Asian Image
