Bellusci/Jerome incident

Jonty has got it spot on.

I'm sure that all of us here have made a comment/joke regarding race. Doesn't mean you're racist.

But we probably shouldn't do it, as it does normalise the use. Still no offence or racism.

During a game, there is no reason to use race. Saying 'Mark the black lad' is fine, some people might frown a bit, but its fine.

I doubt Jerome would file a complaint for Bellusci saying "Mark the black guy".

special subject is not right.
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It is a special subject though.

Race has constantly divided societies, even today.

Well if it is true they should throw the book at him! However they have to be 100% sure he did abuse Jerome.

To be honest this happens all the time in Spain and Italy as well as being rife in Eastern Europe. I'm not sure we will ever erradicate it as it's bred into some of them from an early age. Only education can tackle this.

I've worked with a Spanish girl who hated all Asians and more recently an Asian girl who hated all black people.

It's sad to see and hard to understand when you have been brought up to believe that the colour of your skin does not make you a better or a bad person.

Is it a special subject? Race has divided societies... Are you trying to tell me that is the only thing that has?

What about class... people have been discriminated against because of their social class for centuries. So something that could be indicative of someone's class should be taken a lot more seriously surely?

What about looks... recent studies suggest people with 'poor' teeth are discriminated against being less likely to be offered employment or promotion such is the power of aesthetics. So anything relating to an individual's appearance should be a special subject too?

And what about glasses? Pol Pol imprisoned and even murdered individuals just because they wore glasses... so it is not a subject which is without historical significance if you choose to look for it.

Racial abuse is obviously a bad thing, but so is all abuse...

The irony about all of this is most people read the story and thought "Well he's Italian so it is probably true"

The irony about all of this is most people read the story and thought "Well he's Italian so it is probably true"

..and how do you know this?

I think the fact Jerome went through him next challenge probably confirms what happened,
Agree with what you say Stoopo about racism on the continent and Bellusci probably doesnt think what he said was racist.
Very hard to prove if no one heard but someone needs to speak to Bellusci to explain a few things.

Stoopo - are you saying it isn't true?

Not sure how going through him on the next tackle confirms what happened... is that the level of proof we are working to?

Will be interesting to see what happens. Just out of curiosity - if it isn't true and Jerome has lied... should he be punished?

MM - yes or no do you think he said something ?

I am sure he said something... I am confident he said something offensive... but was it racist? That's a difficult one to answer.

I wasn't in the conversation so can't say for sure, and I don't know him personally so have no authority on which to judge...
Given the seriousness of the offence - I think it is especially important we stick to the idea that someone is innocent until proven guilty. At the moment we have to say he is innocent. I'm sure we would all agree with that.

Just as I hope we would agree that where he has come from shouldn't have anything to do with it!