The Unacceptable Face of a Bigot

I went to the football on Saturday. Not Premier League or Football League, but my local Non-League side. They won 6-2, but that’s not my reason for writing. 

Previously I had reason to write to the club to mention racist comments being made by a certain faction of the crowd, about a black player on the other side. The club, to their credit, made an entry in the programme of subsequent matches, stating that this was totally unacceptable to them and would not be tolerated. 

A year or so onwards and sadly things are very much the same as they were. That same person (who is not a regular supporter), was this time making comments about another black player who, when on his knees after a heavy collision, started to crawl toward the touchline. The comment this time was aimed not so much at the player, but at a certain religious act. I was not only appalled at the comments, but also the fact that the perpetrators friends found it so highly amusing.

I would put the group (of about 5 or 6), in their late 50’s and 60’s age bracket – certainly old enough to know better you would assume. Sadly this seems to be an inherent problem throughout some older people in Britain. The younger generation has grown up in a multi-cultural society and they don’t bat an eyelid at anyone with a different skin colour or religion. In their eyes, everyone is equal, just as it should be. But when it comes to certain members of older age groups, this does not seem to be the case and away from the authorities, the abuse of anyone or anything different seems to be rife.

So is it a case of total ignorance? Sadly, I think not. Everyone is, or at least should be, fully aware of the laws of racial equality in this country. Is it a case of trying to show off and impress your friends and other people around you? Possibly so, but this is surely the lowest possible form of impression and should be seen through immediately. It certainly is a case of crass stupidity, showing an apprehension or fright of something that is not fully, or even partly understood, it seems. 

Is it any wonder there are so many conflicts and wars brought about by religion and the lack of understanding thereof. Hopefully when the younger generation becomes the elder, this will be a thing of the past.