The very next season when we went to the Mem (1-0 win, Mowatt) some other supporters spent the first half referring to the Rovers left back, Bola, as Ebola. I questioned whether I was reading too much into it in terms of racial connotations, maybe it’s just them being too stupid to come up with anything better, until someone told him to eff off back to Africa. Again, reported and no action taken. Stewards nearby who could hear it all. On both occasions, more people laughed along than told them to pipe down. Not sure I buy the narrative that racism isn’t a problem in football, or that social media trolling doesn’t count as racism, and that’s why booing the knee is acceptable. I’ve heard a number of our own fans being racist on multiple occasions in recent seasons. I’m sure our club isn’t unique. A long way to go, which feels like a lot longer still given the current climate.
Apologies - don’t mean to derail the transfer thread. Merely thought it was genuinely relevant seeing as it looks like we might be days away from signing a player who has specifically been the subject of racist abuse from our own fans. I hope that those people feel ashamed and remember how stupid they were. Especially if we do happen to sign him and they end up applauding him.
