The SEASON Guide To Being Anti-Racist And Supporting The Black Community In Football Part 2
Nikita Parris
Photography Elliot James Kennedy
SEASON zine issue 07
Earlier this month, Greg Clarke resigned from his roles as FA Chairman and FIFA Vice-Chairman following a series of damaging and discriminatory remarks. Having previously called institutional racism ‘fluff’, Clarke used racist, homophobic and sexist language in a DCMS (Digital Committee for Media & Sport) Select Committee. Though it seems that he was due to leave anyway, this incident was a stark reminder of how far we still have to go in order to create a more inclusive and representative football industry and community.
The furore seems to have undermined the efforts of the past five months since George Floyd’s death reignited the Black Lives Movement (BLM) globally and we launched part one of The SEASON Guide To Being Anti-Racist And Supporting The Black Community In Football. We wrote then that activism and anti-racism shouldn’t only be spoken about in the aftermath of a widely-shared police murder and the last few months in football have proved why. If that’s what Clarke said in public, what on earth is being said in private behind closed doors?
We asked Anita Asante, Les Ferdinand, and more to share how to turn BLM solidarity into action and these influential black men and women in the game were very clear about the obstacles – the lack of budget and the silent majority most poignantly. What has really changed for black people in football since players started taking a knee? You can poke holes through the progress. RunRepeat’s report confirming racial bias in football commentary was lauded but only 80 men’s games from Europe's top four leagues were studied. The FA finally launched The Football Leadership Diversity Code to increase the number of Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and female coaches but it’s voluntary and only 42 clubs have signed up. Many more black players have been interviewed recently but they are nearly always asked to relive trauma to recall their experiences of racism.
“What has really changed for black people in football since players started taking a knee? You can poke holes through the progress. ”
Micah Richards is part of an exciting new generation of football pundits but in September, the Sky Sports broadcaster had to respond to comments that he is only in his position because of the Black Lives Matter campaign. Never mind the fact that he played at the highest level with Manchester City and since built up a punditry portfolio that includes appearances on BBC’s Match of The Day. ‘So if I've got to fly the flag, people want to throw stones at me - I'll happily take it,’ he said, ‘Because I know, I put in the work.’ He went on to defend fellow player-turned-broadcaster Alex Scott who was linked to the vacant A Question of Sport host job and came under fire. When it was announced that Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas, and Phil Thompson were leaving Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday with Jeff Stelling, both Richards and Scott received abuse even though it had nothing to do with them.
This year, Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford launched a free school meals campaign that raised £20 million for charity Fareshare and influenced government policy. As a result, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from The University of Manchester and an MBE, featured on the cover of British Vogue and partnered with Burberry, but The Daily Mail still published a pointed story about his property investments this month. They say it was in the public interest, but why are Black players’ achievements discussed and reported differently? It felt like the Sterling stories (one minute too flashy despite, one minute too cheap) 2.0.
His teammate Mason Greenwood has also been in the media spotlight with rumours circulating about his ‘work ethic’ following the breach of England’s bubble in September. All of this while mourning the death of his friend, former Manchester City youth player, Jeremy Wisten. In comparison, Jack Grealish (who crashed a car in March, breaking lockdown and fleeing in the scene) has consistently been praised, with papers begging to know why he isn’t in the England team.
Covid-19 has thrown everything off track but we know better, having all been schooled this year by passionate players and pundits like Odion Ighalo, Ian Wright, and more, so we need to do better. Following on from part one, this guide includes new information, resources, and voices – reflecting the diversity and nuances of the black community in football. We hope this guide will help start or continue personal efforts to be anti-racist and a better ally, change outdated mindsets, and make the gamer fairer and more inclusive. Stay tuned for more ways for us all to reflect, educate, donate, follow, and support. Our email seasonzine01@gmail.com and DMs are open if you have any questions or feedback or you’d like to suggest a person or project we should feature.
WATCH
Footballer and physio Fern Whelan, athlete/coach Corinne Humphreys and journalist Natasha Henry talk honestly about defying damaging stereotypes as a female footballer with broadcaster Jess Creighton. Via YouTube.
Lost Lionesses - The Black Pioneers Of Women’s Football
Mini documentary sharing the story of under-celebrated Black women in the England team including Mary Phillip, the first black captain. Via Sky Sports.
National Pride: Lioness stars Lucy Bronze, Demi Stokes & Rachel Daly on racism
Rachel Daly is the real revelation, unpacking her stance and her experiences being based in America, where the Black Lives Matter movement originates. Via YouTube.
Three-part series where AJ Tracey, Jesse Lingard, Novelist, Ayishat Akabani and more open up about experiences of stereotyping at school and in wider society. Via Complex.
Wilfried Zaha, Eniola Aluko and Tyrone Mings share their off-pitch passion projects and personalities as they meet their creative potential in a different arena. Zaha spearheads a fashion label, Aluko is building a travel lifestyle brand and Mings runs an interior design company. Via: YouTube.
Ifeoma Dieke on her footballing journey
Scotland's first female black captain speaks to Chris Iwelumo about her footballing journey so far. Via BBC Scotland.
READ
Football's Black Pioneers: The Stories of the First Black Players to Represent the 92 League Clubs
From Arthur Wharton’s Sheffield United debut in 1885 until now: discover the stories of the first black footballers at all 92 English Football League clubs. Via Conker Editions.
Chloe Morgan: Lawyer, Keeper, Coach Looking to break down barriers in the game
Morgan talks about the importance of Black coaches in the game. ‘But we need more. We need that trickle to become a flood.’ Via The Athletic.
The Football Leadership Diversity Code
The FA launched it in October with recommendations for senior leadership, team operations and coaching. But it’s still optional for clubs. Via The FA.
Nikita Parris Urges FA to Create Inner City Bases
Parris shares thoughts on how to increase diversity in football – with better representation at academy level one answer. Via VERSUS.
Holly Morgan Discusses No Room For Racism
Leicester City Women’s captain took part in a Leicester City in the Community No Room for Racism workshop and shared her experiences. Via LCFC.com.
Remmie Williams shares her story
England Women's player liaison officer discusses growing up in a part of Manchester where Black culture thrived and celebrating that positive impact. Via The FA.
Mayowa Quadri questions what happens next following Greg Clarke’s resignation as FA chairman and FIFA vice-chairman. Via VERSUS.
No Al Razzismo Zine by Lack of Guidance
Our Editor-at-large Naomi Accardi wrote the publication that explores racism in Italian football. Featuring interviews with Black football players who have played in Italy like Tiemoué Bakayoko, and an analysis by Caricom founder Calum Jacobs, all sale proceeds were donated to Milan-based non-profit football club Bimbe Nel Pallone.
LISTEN
SEASON takeover The Diaspora Darlings Show
SEASON zine EIC Felicia Pennant spoke to Jenny Simmons about founding independent football publications and celebrating creative Black women in the game. Via Foundation FM.
Chloe Morgan, Jessica Creighton and Rinsola Babajide discuss data that suggests only two per cent of all home nations players at the top level are BAME. Via Sky Sports.
Coming In From The Cold podcast
Insights from current and former players and managers on the history of black footballers starting from the late 19th century up to the present day. Via talkSPORT.
Ian Wright and SEASON zine 05 cover star Jeanette Kwakye chat about staying true to yourself brilliantly on this new football podcast, alongside our faves Musa Okwonga and Carl Anka. Via: The Ringer FC on Spotify.
FOLLOW + SUPPORT
@blackwplayercollective
Black Women’s Players Collective
Launched in October 2020, the platform features takeovers and opinions from Black US players including @sarahlgorden and @simonecharley.
Sport Shifts hosts a monthly space for Black Womxn to talk, rant and support Black womxn in sports recreationally or while working in the industry.
Ketsia N’kumbu
We first saw Ketsia’s work as part of the FIFA Fan Movement, now the Montreal-based Chelsea fan is writing on her own site The Corner.
This free US football network launches at the end of 2020. Follow member profiles like Assistant Coach @ucdaviswsoc and @yewandeful.
The football fan tells stories from the game and her life, and interviews the community on her eponymous website Horizon's United FC.
An Arsenal fan, sports journalist, and our favourite addition to the Guardian Football Weekly (get her on more!) Follow on Twitter for real-time analysis.
Anita Abayomi and Football Terrace FC
You’ve heard her on the Goal Diggers UK Podcast and she featured in our Size? editorial - now check out Anita’s Chelsea analysis on Football Terrace FC.
Mya Powell
A Tottenham Hotspur U21s player and student, Mya coaches Girls United’s Saturday sessions in Peckham.
Her university dissertation looked at Twitter's effect on footballers' mental health and she can be heard on Football Terrace FC.
The retired player, PFA Community Champion and broadcaster is on The Women’s Football Show and calls on the FA to do more for Black female players.
A Girls United FC project to promote Black women as coaches. Five attendees receive six weeks of paid assistant coaching work and personal development support. Eight coaches from BCM are now undertaking FA Level 1 & 2 certifications funded by the London FA.
Jack Leslie scored 137 goals in 401 appearances for Plymouth Argyle from 1921-34. He was picked for England in 1925 but denied a place because he was black. This group of fans is fundraising for a statue to honour the legacy.
Black Minds Matter via Born Offside
Born Offside made these t-shirts in honour a 1990 charity match held by Pelé to mark his 50th birthday. 100 per cent of proceeds go to Black Minds Matter.
Words: the SEASON team