Whats wrong with football?

[pauld]

Thank you for the compliments.
Racism will continue to fester whilst these organisations continue to complain about the past.  Yes, things have happened that should not have happened,  however racism now is much less than it was in the 70's.

While that might be arguable, it is also the case that racism is on the rise again and that open racists are feeling empowered to express their hatred again in the same terms heard in the 70s. If we don't want to go back there, these kinds of views must be challenged. Which is what "taking a knee" does, it is a way for players to say that that racist hatred has no part in the game or in life in general. It is a stand against racism. Booing a stand against racism puts those fans firmly in the camp of the racists.

[Jimmy HaveHave]

While that might be arguable, it is also the case that racism is on the rise again and that open racists are feeling empowered to express their hatred again in the same terms heard in the 70s. If we don't want to go back there, these kinds of views must be challenged. Which is what "taking a knee" does, it is a way for players to say that that racist hatred has no part in the game or in life in general. It is a stand against racism. Booing a stand against racism puts those fans firmly in the camp of the racists.

The football world wouldn't expect anything less from Millwall fans it's bred into them from an early age
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-9023125/Gabby-Agbonlahor-reveals-racially-abused-12-year-old-Millwall-fan.html

[TownEnder]

While that might be arguable, it is also the case that racism is on the rise again and that open racists are feeling empowered to express their hatred again in the same terms heard in the 70s. If we don't want to go back there, these kinds of views must be challenged. Which is what "taking a knee" does, it is a way for players to say that that racist hatred has no part in the game or in life in general. It is a stand against racism. Booing a stand against racism puts those fans firmly in the camp of the racists.

Very well put across and accept all you have said however, unacceptable as it is, does this not show that many people think it is now time to stop this kneeling before every game. Sooner or later it will have to stop and people are starting to think this has now run its course.

[pauld]

Very well put across and accept all you have said however, unacceptable as it is, does this not show that many people think it is now time to stop this kneeling before every game.

No it shows there is still a massive problem with racism and racists in football. It shows the problem has not gone away and is getting worse if anything than it has been in recent times. Which makes it all the more important that we all take a stand against racists. And decide which side we are on.

[JBZ]

The football world wouldn't expect anything less from Millwall fans it's bred into them from an early age
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-9023125/Gabby-Agbonlahor-reveals-racially-abused-12-year-old-Millwall-fan.html

I am not sure that's necessarily correct.  A friend of mine from university supports Millwall and I have been to a few games with him. I met quite a few supporters who appeared perfectly rational/reasonable.

I would say the behaviour reflects the views of certain socio-economic groups.

[pauld]

I am not sure that's necessarily correct.  A friend of mine from university supports Millwall and I have been to a few games with him. I met quite a few supporters who appeared perfectly rational/reasonable.

I would say the behaviour reflects the views of certain socio-economic groups.

I really hope you've just phrased that badly. If not, class prejudice can be as unpleasant, corrosive and damaging as racial prejudice.

[JBZ]

But, frankly, it has become much more acceptable to express racist views across society in post Brexit Britain (as observed above).

[Jimmy HaveHave]

I am not sure that's necessarily correct.  A friend of mine from university supports Millwall and I have been to a few games with him. I met quite a few supporters who appeared perfectly rational/reasonable.

I would say the behaviour reflects the views of certain socio-economic groups.

Millwall fans don't help themselves and are never far way from controversy

[JBZ]

I really hope you've just phrased that badly. If not, class prejudice can be as unpleasant, corrosive and damaging as racial prejudice.

Just to assist you, I am very much working class.

[RobertT]

Very well put across and accept all you have said however, unacceptable as it is, does this not show that many people think it is now time to stop this kneeling before every game. Sooner or later it will have to stop and people are starting to think this has now run its course.

How has it run it's course - has it helped fix the problem?  If anything, yesterday suggested an escalation might be required.  I get to see it much more visibly over here, people are slightly less afraid of voicing such opinions publicly, which is very sad.  Fortunately people don't just go "oh well, we tried to gain equality, but everyone seems disinterested".  Maybe the Millwall players could walk off the pitch.

[pauld]

Just to assist you, I am very much working class.

Very pleased for you. Some of Nigel Farage's best friends are, I'm sure, black. My point stands. And I wholly agree with your next post - racism isn't just a problem in "certain socio-economic groups", although it's often a convenient divide and rule tactic for some at the top of the food chain.

But, frankly, it has become much more acceptable to express racist views across society in post Brexit Britain (as observed above).

[JBZ]

Millwall fans don't help themselves and are never far way from controversy

They do go on about "no one likes us, no one like us, we don't care etc" and seem to enjoy that.

[Jimmy HaveHave]

They do go on about "no one likes us, no one like us, we don't care etc" and seem to enjoy that.

Ask anyone whose been there over the years including the old den and they will tell you it's not a nice experience

[JBZ]

Very pleased for you. Some of Nigel Farage's best friends are, I'm sure, black. My point stands. And I wholly agree with your next post - racism isn't just a problem in "certain socio-economic groups", although it's often a convenient divide and rule tactic for some at the top of the food chain.

I've been to a few Millwall games and sat with home fans.  That informs some of my views.  

As you also observe, I know very well that racism exists everywhere.

[Jimmy HaveHave]

I've been to a few Millwall games and sat with home fans.  That informs some of my views.  

As you also observe, I know very well that racism exists everywhere.

From an away fans experience it's a completely different experience