United Sporting Luton Football Club practises a zero tolerance policy towards racism and racial abuse. All players and supporters are asked to join with the Club in promoting racial awareness and creating an environment in which all individuals from any ethnic origin can feel comfortable.

USL FC uses football as a vehicle to promote racial awareness and has developed an initiative called "Luton Shining" which aims to unite communities, create ethnic harmony via a series of projects. Sponsorship from the Football Foundation and awareness from 'Kick Racism Out Of Football' campaign have provided valuable funds to add quality to the initiative. Luton Shining is in its first year and aims to deliver social inclusion and outreach activities throughout Luton. During football's Anti-Racism week which falls in October every year, USL will embark on some innovative programmes.It is important we continue this work in order to make a difference in our Community.

It may be hard to imagine now but not so long ago black footballers frequently faced monkey noises and racist chants from crowds, and racial abuse from opponents. Stuff that doesn't happen any more. Right? Players from all over the world, of all colours and creeds, now play in the Premier and Football Leagues. Black players have been at the top of the game for years and the England team has had loads of black internationals.

It might have been a problem in the past, but racism's gone, and good riddance. Well, maybe. In November 2002 'old fashioned' monkey chants were hurled at Manchester United's Dwight Yorke by Sunderland fans during their Worthington Cup tie at the Stadium of Light.

In November 2002 Leicester City's British-born Turkish star Muzzy Izzet was loudly booed by Leeds United fans each time he touched the ball during their Premier League clash at Filbert Street. And in September 2002 fans watching England's friendly against France in Paris racially abused Andy Cole and chanted 'I'd rather be a Paki than a Turk'.

Yes, black faces are common on the pitch, and accepted by football fans everywhere. But incidents like these are still common too. If football is for everyone then we have to get rid of racism forever. If we work together we can really kick racism out of football.

USL FC practices a zero tolerance policy towards racism and racial abuse and we ask all players and supporters to join with us to promote racial awareness in an environment which all individuals can feel comfortable.

So what can you do to help:

1. If you hear racial chanting ie: the repeated uttering of words, whether alone or with others
( the police will often require evidence of the same words being repeated three times) or

2. You hear individuals or groups who repeatedly utter racist abuse then you should report it either:

a) To the nearest USL Steward or
b) To the nearest USL staff or
c) If neither are near enough and you have a mobile phone then ring the police on 999. Please note this number is only to be used when there is a serious incident which the USL staff are not equipped to handle.

Consideration must then be given by the person to whom you have complained, as to what action is appropriate. It could be that:

1. The USL steward reports the complaint to the supervisor for his attention
2. The offender is taken for further observation to be made
3. The offender is given advice or a warning
4. The offender is ejected and/or arrested by police, which may lead to prosecution

Remember, we must have good evidence before the latter is achievable. All reports of racist crime will be followed up by the Police and/or Club by the most appropriate method.

 

 

 

USL Web © 2009/10