Football does not take racism seriously. This was the conclusion reached by an audience of over 150 young professionals who attended YN Sport’s inaugural fundraising and networking event last night. The event, held at the offices of SJ Berwin in London, raised an incredible £9,500 for Norwood, which supports adults with learning disabilities and children and families in need.
YN Sport Court featured a panel of industry experts; Sam Allardyce, Gabriele Marcotti, Jonathan Barnett , Mick Dennis, and moderator Garth Crooks OBE, who discussed three topical motions, each followed by a lively Q & A session and audience vote.
Daily Express football correspondent Mick Dennis spoke frankly about the topical issues surrounding football and racism: “Unlike with any other profession, with football, integration is total. Football does take racism seriously and footballers can be proud of how it has assimilated ethnic minorities and footballers in our country. Football mirrors society, but it’s the only area of my life when I feel I can stand up to racism.”
Speaking about recent racist allegations involving Chelsea player John Terry, Jonathan Barnett, football agent and founder of Stellar group, added: “I’m not going to condone what he did or didn’t do, but John Terry is not a racist. Racism is not something we will ever stamp out completely but football has come a long way and it does take it seriously.”
However, despite some heated and lively exchanges, the panellists failed to convince the audience who voted for the motion and agreed that football does not take racism seriously.
The subject of whether footballers should be role models was another hot topic which left the panel and audience divided. Sports journalist and presenter Gabriele Marcotti offered a balanced view on the subject, saying: “If your kids look up to footballers as their role models then that is the parent’s problem. But if football clubs put certain rules in place then they should be upheld by the players.”
The evening also featured a free bar, canapés, and a number of raffle and auction prizes, including a signed Pierluigi Collina portrait, signed Arsenal shirt and signed Spurs pennant.
Nicola Graham, YN Manager said: “The evening has been a great success and I would like to thank our special guests for providing such a thought provoking and entertaining discussion. A special thanks is also due to the Sport Court and our host Garth Crooks OBE, for expertly leading the panel and audience through a number of topical and highly sensitive issues. I would also like to thank the YN Sports Committee for helping to make the event such a great success, our hosts S J Berwin, our media partners the JC and all our guests for their generous support.”
