IN 1993 the Commission for Racial Equality and the Professional Footballers FIGHTING RACISM Association launched the Lets Kick Racism Out Of Football Campaign.
Press conferences, articles in match-day programmes and the decision by clubs to ban and support the prosecution of 'fans' responsible for racist behaviour was welcome.
However the recent First DIvision play off game between Millwall and Derby County shows football supporters have a long way to go before racism is eradicated from the terraces. In an evening punctuated by violence Millwall supporters invaded the pitch to assault Derby County players. Derby took the unprecedented decision to substitute their two black players five minutes before the end of the game because they were concerned for their safety. SPEAKERS include JEREMY CORBYN MP, MARC WADSWORTH (ARA), BOB PURKISS, chair TUC race relations committee, MOHAMMED IDRISH This is not the first racist activity at Millwall this season. In August Ricky Otto of Southend was subjected to sustained racist abuse. During Nottingham Forest's recent visit to the Den a Miliwall 'fan' tried to run on the pitch to assault Stan Collymore, Forest's centre forward.
During the late 70's and early 80's racist activity was a serious problem at football grounds up and down the country. National Front paper sellers were regularly seen at many clubs Including West Ham Utd, Newcastle Utd and Portsmouth. Football violence was endemic often with a racIst character.
The N.F. newspaper Bulldog used to publish a league table of hooligan gangs. Football terraces were often hostile environments for black people.
A combination of factors has led to some improvement. First, the last fifteen years has seen an increasing number of black professionals.
Heroes
lan Wright at Arsenal, Andy Cole at Newcastle and Paul McGrath at Aston Villa have become heroes to thousands of football fans, black and white. This summer Paul Ince became the first black player to captain the English national side.
There has also been a proliferation of supporter based 'fanzines' which have often campaigned against the racists at their respective clubs. Leeds United fans produce Marching Altogether which is explicitly anti-racist.
The Celtic fanzine Not The View has linked up with supporters of Hamburg side Si Pauli who have an impressive record of combatting the far right in Germany.
The resurgence of the BNP has led to fascists raising their heads again at football grounds. Charlton Athletic, who play less than five miles from the BNP HQ at Bexley, has been a particular target for the Nazis. Combat 18 have been reported to be working with the notorious Headhunters' gang at Chelsea.
How should we respond? The CRE/PFA is set to continue next season. ARA should pressure the players union to follow the example in Italy where every Premier League team took to the field carrying anti-racist banners.
We should urge Labour councils to campaign with football clubs and supporters groups to ensure football grounds are free from racist activity. In the 1980s Lewisham council promoted a whole series of initiatives with Millwall, mainly with the aim of bringing more women to matches.
Unfortunately, with Lewisham implementing a cuts budget, much of the funding was cut. Given the appalling scenes this week it is clear they should have stepped up rather than cut back their campaigning.
Let's kick racism out of football.
SOCIALIST OUTLOOK No. 63, 1 June 1994, Page 5
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