No Place For Racism

Ron Atkinson is no racist. The facts appear to back that up. At West Bromwich Albion, Atkinson was the ultimate professional in the face of society’s ills. Atkinson selected the players in his side based on talent and not on race. He was widely applauded for his role in forcing football to accept a multi-racial look that represented society.

And in April 2004 it all went wrong. Atkinson caused a storm by using an inappropriate and racial slur against Marcel Desailly a comment he could not apologise and retract quickly enough - but it was too late. He described it as “a stupid mistake which I regret, it left me with no option (but) to resign.” The decision was the only one. There was no appeal, it would only have made matters worse.

ITV, the broadcaster and his employer, called the incident a “regrettable lapse by a respected and experienced broadcaster”. And that was that. There was no excuse and the man at the heart of the matter paid a heavy price.

Despite his contrition there were few fighting his corner and it was agreed that there was no way back for a man so out of touch with the language of modern Britain.

Seven years on and it appears the mood has changed. On December 20th 2011, Luis Suarez was banned by the FA : “Mr Suárez used insulting words towards Mr Evra during the match contrary to FA Rule E3(1); the insulting words used by Mr Suárez included a reference to Mr Evra's colour”
It seems that was too much for some to contemplate.

Unlike Atkinson, Liverpool’s striker had people falling over themselves to fight this one. Liverpool’s statement on their official website regarding the matter should have waited and been thought through far more.

A defence including Suarez’s grandfather’s race and his history of working alongside colleagues of a different race are irrelevant in this matter. As is the idea of using past history to discredit the accuser - or in the FA’s view - the victim of abuse.

These are the same arguments that were used to support Atkinson and never had any weight in the argument.

The FA did not sanction or accuse Suarez for being a racist. They dealt with his comments and not the make up of the man. Instead of focusing on the idea that Suarez can continue to be the magnificent player that he is without using words of such an offensive nature - Liverpool decided to go on the attack and inflame matters. Tribalism and race related insults are a dangerous mix. Any city will testify to this.

Rounding up a mob mentality over this case and asking followers of a player and a club to not allow the sanctioned player to ‘walk alone’  is a risky game.   Liverpool FC are hoping to clear the striker’s name and will stand by Suarez .They claim Suarez should not be banned on the basis that no third party heard what was said. In light of that admission, perhaps Liverpool’s unwavering support should be more guarded.

Liverpool as a club want to think well of a player they know, like and support. There is nothing wrong with that. To make their own judgement on a case that has been dealt with by an independent panel starts to look partizan.

It is surely a case of when and not if Liverpool will appeal on Suarez’s behalf. In the meantime they have caused a firestorm with such a staunch defence of man found guilty.

It was hoped that this ruling would draw a line under the speculation. Liverpool went out on a limb in supporting Suarez on this matter, they understood the ramifications if that support was misplaced. The image of the club and its staff is at stake - so attached to this case have they become.

Support is one thing - ignorance quite another. Luis Suarez can appeal - one that he simply must win, and not just for his sake. Unlike others caught in a similar position, he is lucky to have another chance.