Kick It Out statement on recent alleged racist incidents

Tuesday 28 Jun 2016
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Kick It Out has released a statement following two videos published by Channel 4 News, which show alleged England supporters acting in a racist manner at the European Championships in France, and an alleged racist incident which occurred on Manchester Metrolink earlier today (Tuesday 28 June).

The statement reads:

Kick It Out strongly condemns any racist or discriminatory behaviour that happens in a football environment or society as a whole.

With recent events lighting the touchpaper for bigotry and discriminatory behaviour to take place, it is essential that the underlying issues which appear to be driven by xenophobia and racism, are challenged appropriately.

This also has implications for football in England. Governing bodies must ensure that discrimination and hatred from the game are removed in their entirety. They must assist the next generation to be free from prejudice and to become truly supportive of diversity, inclusion and equality.

This agenda is now critical if we are to move forward positively within the fractious context that has developed since the referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union.

Kick It Out will monitor the situation closely to ensure that football leads the way in promoting an inclusive environment for all across England and the United Kingdom.

Lord Herman Ouseley, Chair of Kick It Out, has welcomed the statement by David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, in condemning recent incidents of hate-crime which have occurred in the aftermath of the Referendum results.

He said: “We have been concerned for some time about the increase in prejudice, bigotry and hatred reflected in the levels of reported hate incidents and hate crimes.

“Kick It Out has consistently urged all involved with football to take concerted action to avert a return to the past when abuse and violence was associated with the game.

“Statistics from the National Police Chiefs’ Council show a 57% increase of reported hate-related incidents since the results of the referendum. This should be a wake-up call for all of us who care about football and its valuable contribution to community cohesion across the country.”

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