Essexyellows
Well-known member
- Joined
- 7 Dec 2017
- Messages
- 17,218
In such situations I look for intent. From what I've heard I don't think he is or was racist. Language is important but I understand how people fall foul of current acceptability. I also think really hard to make sure I use the right terms when I discuss such issues always concerned I may say the wrong thing. I don't think it should be so. That said, given his specific role, it should have been second nature to him (in the same way no one with any sense would use the N word) to get it right so I can see why he walked.
The thing that got me was that he actually explained why he used the language he did in respect to colour having worked in the US where it was the preferred term of reference.
In terms of "girls don`t like the ball being kicked at them" he was quoting someone!
"I talked to a coach – and I’m not certain this is true – and said, ‘what’s the issue with goalkeepers in the women’s game?’ She said, ‘young girls, when they take up the game (aged) six, seven, eight, just don’t like having the ball kicked at them hard’, right? They prefer to kick it than have it kicked at them. We have to understand we need to look at different ways to bring women into the goalkeeper’s position.”
The gay "life choice" was also taken out of context.... he said:
"The real issue is once you run out in front of 60,000 people and you decided on Monday that you wanted to disclose your sexuality – and I would never pressure anybody to disclose their sexuality – what I would want to do is to know that anybody who runs out onto the pitch and says, ‘I’m gay. I’m proud of it and I’m happy. It’s a life choice, and I’ve made it because my life is a better place’, I’d like to believe and I do believe they would have the support of their mates in the changing room.”
Clumsy, probably ...... as bad as made out? No.