Nairobi Star (Nairobi)
Carol Radull
23 December 2011
column
It’s been a while since we went into the Christmas weekend knowing as Arsenal that we are playing for fun. By “fun” I mean not “gunning” for the EPL title. Of course there are many things to fight for including Champions League qualification, but it feels weird to end a year with no real league ambition.
I’m confused. Arsenal aren’t playing brilliantly at all, but Arsene Wenger should give us hope; even if deep down we know that the title is out of reach; without hope, we have nothing. *SSMH* (that’s twitter-nese for “slowly shaking my head)
But serious matters are on my mind today like racism in football. When it was announced on Tuesday that Liverpool forward Luis Suarez had been found guilty of racially taunting Manchester United defender Patrice Evra; banned 8 games and fined £40,000 (Sh5.2m), I was pleased – with the verdict. There is no room for racism in football and whether Negras means something different in Uruguay, its offensive in my world. What shocked me more though was how some Liverpool fans, particularly here in Kenya, defended Suarez to the bone! They even went further to use the F-word on me on twitter in defence of Suarez. I found that sad. We all love the players on our squad but what do we really know about them. When I see RVP play I think he’s the best thing since sliced bread; I admire Alexander Song when he plays for Arsenal but what do I really know about these people. Would I give a character reference to these players if called upon to do so in court; never ever! They could be wife-beaters or male chauvinists, I don’t know. I will give them the benefit of a doubt though and continue to judge them on their football, but if they commit a crime or break FA laws, I’ll be damned if I’d defend them.
I grew up in a small town in Botswana in the 70’s and early 80’s. At the time it was full of white South Africans with mindsets of the old regime. So I know what I’m talking about when I mention racism. It’s ugly! Luis Suarez will have a second day in court during the appeal but as it stands today; he has been found guilty of a very serious offence. John Terry’s situation is even worse with the FA forwarding the matter to the criminal courts. Yes he’s innocent until proven guilty, but John Obi Mikel’s reaction on the video when Terry allegedly insults Anton Ferdinand, says a lot. Shame on Chelsea and Liverpool football clubs for saying they’ll defend their players to the death; and even more shame on Kenyans fans of the two clubs who back this kind of behaviour. One fan excused Suarez saying emotions are high on the pitch and players say things they don’t mean. But I say that what you voice when you’re angry; just like when you’re drunk, is often your true feelings. It is not for nothing the Latins came up with the adage “in vino veritas” which translates to “in wine [there is the] truth”. It’s just that at that moment you are brave enough to say it. Shame! Kick racism out of football, it doesn’t belong there! Or anywhere.
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