With Suarez facing an 8 match ban and Terry subject to court prosecution and a similar ban, what message does this send to the rest of the footballing world?
To the media and anti-racist groups the message is clear, we will not tolerate any form of racist abuse. This is a fantastic message to send out because racism should never belong in any sport or workplace.
My concern is what message this sends to other top footballers considering moving to the Premier League. Having read some quotes from the Uraguayan players, they seem to whole-heartingly disagree with the length of the ban, and i'm sure most other footballers will.
The question is, will this put off stars moving to the Premier League in fear that they too could be subject to being branded a racist if their culture/language is interpreted as racist?
The Premier League
posted on 21/12/11
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2077133/Ian-Mytton-jailed-years-killing-Wales-fan-Michael-Dye-Wembley.html
This is far more important IMO, only 3 years? Sickening.
posted on 21/12/11
It is key to note that Patrice Evra himself in his written statement in this case said 'I don't think that Luis Suarez is racist'. The FA in their opening remarks accepted that Luis Suarez was not racist.
posted on 21/12/11
What the FA need to do (regardless of whether the ban stands) is to educate the foreign players with regard to the grey areas in our language (which is also the international language that referees and officials will use).
This will go along way to making sure this issue doesn't arise again.
posted on 21/12/11
Well, sadly now if Suarez's ban is being authorized, we need to start blaming every other player making any abusive comments, and get recorded data, and start filing suits to FA every round.. good job!
Truth is the real racist people, mind not Suarez, wouldn't really care what the FA or other institutions do, do they.
posted on 21/12/11
we need to start blaming every other player making any abusive comments
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No, just the racist, xenophobic and homophobic comments.... Just like it always has been.
It is very hard to have any intelligent debate about the subject, when your fans are just unwilling to feel anything other than hard done by.