Batson joins Kick It Out for discussion on discrimination in football at University of Nottingham

Thursday 22 Oct 2015
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By Lucy Budworth

Brendon Batson joined Kick It Out to deliver a discussion on racism and discrimination in football at the University of Nottingham on Thursday 15 October, as part of the organisation’s activities during Black History Month.

The former West Bromwich Albion star was joined by Troy Townsend, Kick It Out’s Education and Development Manager, as the audience listened to Brendan’s experience as a footballer and Troy’s involvement with football’s equality and inclusion organisation.

The evening started with a brief talk on Brendon’s playing career, explaining how he started at Arsenal Football Club, moving to Cambridge before making his greatest impact as part of the famous ‘Three Degrees’ at West Brom.

This was followed by a viewing of the Kick It Out 20 year Anniversary video, which gave an insight into the work the organisation has performed since its inception in 1993.

Brendon and Troy both spoke about their experiences with discrimination in football as well as their thoughts on how the issue can be tackled within the game.

In the discussion Troy raised awareness of the Kick It Out reporting app, available on iPhone and Android, and the Premier League Academy Awareness Weekend, which was held earlier this month.

The audience were then invited to ask questions to Brendon and Troy. The subjects raised included their thoughts on players leaving the field of play due to being discriminated against, duty of care for players who had been targeted and also the sanctions for racist and discriminatory abuse.

Troy reflected after the session on a positive event at the University of Nottingham.

“It was fantastic to join Brendon for the discussion on discrimination in football.

“Brendon offered his unique insight in being one of the pioneers of English football to the audience on the issues that blighted the game during his playing days. We also discussed what can be done now to challenge discrimination which is sadly still occurring in the game.

“For myself it was important to express the work Kick It Out is doing to raise awareness for inclusivity across all levels of the game and to make sure that the problems Brendon encountered are a thing of the past.”

To find out more about the event, click here.

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"We have a responsibility as players to give something back and I’m really thankful to be part of this organisation because we can do a lot of good."
Jack Butland, 'Next 20' Ambassador
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Clive Tyldesley, football commentator
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Kelly Smith, England Women's record goalscorer
"Despite the progress, stereotypes still exist in football and until that is broken down it will be extremely difficult for a woman to manage a top level men's team."
Rachel Yankey, former Arsenal Ladies forward
"There’s no hiding that there is sexism in sport. We have a lack of women right across all levels of management, playing and coaching. It shows the closed nature of sport in general and this includes the media. It’s an indictment of sport as a whole."
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Bruce Buck, Chelsea Football Club Chairman

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