06/12/2020
It was supposed to be something to celebrate, the return of fans to the terraces at football matches. However, as the players showed their solidarity with the Black Lives Matter (BLM) some elements of the crowd could be heard booing.
There can be little doubt that those booing were racist thugs who do not deserve the privilege of attending a live sporting event.
The fans who booed need to be identified and, at the very least, banned from attending future matches. There is absolutely no excuse for such racist behaviour anywhere in our society and those who conduct themselves in such a manner deserve to be punished.
Questions also need to be answered about why it took Millwall Football Club almost 24 hours to respond to the disgraceful actions of their fans.
Prior to their game, the Millwall squad had released a statement saying: "The gesture of 'taking the knee' before matches provides an opportunity for us to do exactly that and continues to allow all those playing to publicly showcase their support - on behalf of the whole squad - for the fight against discrimination."
However, the team management were far too slow in reacting to the events ahead of the match. It is difficult to know why they didn't address the matter more urgently, but there is much to be seen in the comments on social media to suggest that racism in the London football club is an ongoing problem.
There are huge efforts being made by so many people in the fight against racism and to end discrimination more generally. Sports teams and athletes are playing a significant part in standing up against the ugliness of prejudice, as indeed are many 'ordinary' members of our societies.
Sadly though, it would appear that the Millwall fans aren't the only ones who are displaying such obscene conduct at football matches.
It's time that those who voice racist views and show other forms of discrimination in their daily lives are made fully aware of how repugnant the majority of society find their behaviour and, by extension, those people themselves.
Discrimination has no place in a civilised society.
Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can show the haters that they are weak and alone. Together, we can bring a brighter and more inclusive future.
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