Racism in the Premier League

Allegations of racism in the Premier League are sadly becoming news. One of the most shocking incidents involves Liverpool´s Luis Suárez, who allegedly racially abused Manchester United´s Patrice Evra in a match that took place October 15th in Anfield.

If you are not familiar with what happened, it appears that Suárez kicked Evra, and when Evra asked why he had been so aggressive, Suárez reportedly said that “because you are black”. But the accusations do not stop here. The English Football Association report indicates that Suárez is alleged to have said “black” to Evra seven times in two minutes.

This not the only case of this nature taking place in the Premier league. Also in October, Chelsea´s John Terry reportedly used a racial slur against Queens Park Rangers Anton Ferdinand, although Terry denies it.

The English Football Association has already taken actions against both players, Terry and Suárez. Suárez has been banned for eight games; Liverpool has until January 13 to appeal if the club decides to do so. Terry faces a criminal charge, and his case will be heard at a London magistrate´s court in February.

But whatever the outcome, we can only conclude that it is a real shame that we have to continue talking about this issue, and now involving such great players from such emblematic teams. We hope that racism disappears, not only because of the popularity of the people involved in these incidents, or because the Olympics are getting closer, but because it is the right thing to do, and because London has to show the world that it is a city that embraces its multicultural component with maturity.

One Response to “Racism in the Premier League”