WE ALMOST had to check the calendar on Saturday night. Yes, it is 2019, but here we still are reporting on alleged incidents of racism in Non-League football.
So often are we quick to jump on it when heard in other countries but time and again this horrible issue keeps rearing its head in England and Wales and it can’t be brushed off anymore.
Last weekend, word quickly filtered through from Hartlepool United’s National League game with Dover Athletic.
Dover striker Inih Effiong had scored a penalty and in the aftermath of the celebrations, something had sparked up between the players and a section of the home support. When Pools players also took severe exception, it was clear something very untoward had happened.
Whites boss Andy Hessenthaler later said he considered taking his players off – a move that would have been backed by Hartlepool manager Craig Hignett – but they chose to play on.
Sadly, it wasn’t the only reported incident of the week with other accusations made elsewhere.
Hartlepool, to their credit, have been swift in response. They made an announcement at half-time of the game, have dedicated their programme front cover for their next home game with the Kick It Out message and have vowed to come down heavily on the culprit, who has also been arrested.
I’ve written in the past about how it is a difficult subject to write about – and one that feels ever common – because I’ve not been the subject of racist abuse. I don’t know what that feels like to be vilified for the colour of my skin.
But we must listen to the people who have. The people who know what it feels like to have someone spitting and snarling in your face or hidden by a keyboard and throwing out insults on social media.
England star Raheem Sterling has been a fantastic advocate in recent times, speaking out against the injustices and asking society as a whole to look at itself in the mirror.
Racism isn’t just a football problem but the game is a reflection of wider society. And it’s a game that has a platform to make a difference.
It’s high time the authorities came down harder than ever when racist or homophobic behaviour is proven. There is no justification for it.
And we can all play our part. If you hear something said at a Non-League game you’re watching, report it.