Jason Roberts...Do you sometimes find him annoying?!

[Extended-Phenotype]

Roberts' views are so one dimensional. Terry did do wrong, but what about the constant aggrevation he had to endure off Ferdinand before he flipped?

You think taking the p/ss out of someone for f/cking his mates wife has the same gravitas as racially abusing somebody?

No, of course not. Just to be considered in the context of what happened. It's none of Ferdinand's business who Terry sleeps with unless it's directly connected to him.

I don't think context can really explain it. Why did Rio's colour spring to mind? I've fallen out with people of every race and never once did a racial insult cross my mind, much like any normal person.

[andrew1957]

Surely the essence of the point is that it would be better for everyone to stand up against racism together - rather than accusing others of not being sufficiently anti racist.

[Alexander Litvinenko]

Roberts is right of course, but I'm not sure he's going about things the right way.

But essentially his underlying point - that football needs a proper anti-racism campaign, not a sham one which consists mainly of wearing and giving away t-shirts - is perfectly valid.

[Royalclapper]

''I don't think context can really explain it. Why did Rio's colour spring to mind? I've fallen out with people of every race and never once did a racial insult cross my mind, much like any normal person.''

If you give it out then you must expect to get it back. And the response may not be what you want to hear. You hit my sore spot and I'll hit yours type of thing. It's only Terry who has been punished as his is considered to be the more provocative response which suggests Kick it out has some merit.

[royalZILLAAA]

Surely the essence of the point is that it would be better for everyone to stand up against racism together - rather than accusing others of not being sufficiently anti racist.

It's extremely important for someone to be able to stand up and accuse an anti-racism campaign of being ineffective in achieving its goals, though. What's the point in all pulling together on behalf of a half-assed and ineffective campaign?

*just realised this seems like a scathing attack on Kick Racism Out Of Football, which it's not meant to be. I think there is more that could be done, and punishments should be more severe, but it's not a completely ineffective campaign.

[Lacoste]

Thing is, Anton is Black and he is a kunt - when did people get a ban for stating the obvious?

[Extended-Phenotype]

''I don't think context can really explain it. Why did Rio's colour spring to mind? I've fallen out with people of every race and never once did a racial insult cross my mind, much like any normal person.''

If you give it out then you must expect to get it back. And the response may not be what you want to hear. You hit my sore spot and I'll hit yours type of thing. It's only Terry who has been punished as his is considered to be the more provocative response which suggests Kick it out has some merit.

Quotemare.

The race of an individual is not a 'sore spot'. Again, why does that spring to mind? What kind of a person considers 'going there' in an argument? A f/cking racist.

Terry was derided for his actions; race is not a choice and on the scale of physical invective it carries by far the most gravitas due to historical context that other insults do not carry.

There is a reason why they are considered more serious, it's not just an attempt by socialists to upset The Daily Mail.

[Extended-Phenotype]

Thing is, Anton is Black and he is a kunt - when did people get a ban for stating the obvious?

Do you think his blackness is a cause for derision? It wasn't a f/cking description. John Terry wasn’t letting Rio know he was f/cking black. Rio knows that. He’s probably been black all his f/cking life.

[Royalclapper]

''I don't think context can really explain it. Why did Rio's colour spring to mind? I've fallen out with people of every race and never once did a racial insult cross my mind, much like any normal person.''

If you give it out then you must expect to get it back. And the response may not be what you want to hear. You hit my sore spot and I'll hit yours type of thing. It's only Terry who has been punished as his is considered to be the more provocative response which suggests Kick it out has some merit.

Quotemare.

The race of an individual is not a 'sore spot'. Again, why does that spring to mind? What kind of a person considers 'going there' in an argument? A f/cking racist.

Terry was derided for his actions; race is not a choice and on the scale of physical invective it carries by far the most gravitas due to historical context that other insults do not carry.

There is a reason why they are considered more serious, it's not just an attempt by socialists to upset The Daily Mail.

Quotemare.

[Lacoste]

Thing is, Anton is Black and he is a kunt - when did people get a ban for stating the obvious?

Do you think his blackness is a cause for derision? It wasn't a f/cking description. John Terry wasn’t letting Rio know he was f/cking black. Rio knows that. He’s probably been black all his f/cking life.

That was an easy catch.

[Extended-Phenotype]

Thing is, Anton is Black and he is a kunt - when did people get a ban for stating the obvious?

Do you think his blackness is a cause for derision? It wasn't a f/cking description. John Terry wasn’t letting Rio know he was f/cking black. Rio knows that. He’s probably been black all his f/cking life.

That was an easy catch.

Practically jumped into your f/cking keep net.

[melonhead]

Feel sorry for Rose though, that was a bit much for anyone to endure. That's when the authorities should wade in.

shriley thats the point though

not only did he get sent off, but fifa decide to investigate england.
its clear from the footage that nazi salutes, monkey noises, missles thrown onto the pitch, all going on throughout the match.
they should have dealt with it already, and they havent.

[pea]

John Terry wasn’t letting Rio know he was f/cking black.

What about Anton? etc etc

[melonhead]

think roberts has achieved more in saying he wouldnt wear the tshirt, than lets kick it out have ever achieved
no one notices the tshirts, or thinks about teh impact of racism wghen theyre being worn
no one talks about them for days after or before teh match.

hes got global coverage, and th eissue is now top of the issue list

[RoyalBlue]

Putting aside Roberts' stance on Kick It Out. I can't believe how lilly-livered some people are on here. "It's embarrassing for the club", "it gives his employer a bad name" ... WTF? ... I mean what kind of watered-down version of life do you lead? Roberts is not a PR machine for Reading Football Club and purllleaase don't give me that nonsense about how "players need to be ambassadors for their club" nonsense. They have every right to take a stance against racism in football if that is what they wish to do...frankly, if this is the route Roberts wants to take it is none of the club's business. He was not driving a car while pissed although reading some people on here you would seem to think he had done something similar.
Also, whoever said it is "embarrassing for the club" I would really, really, really like you to explain what exactly is embarrassing about it because I'm damned if I know.

True he is not a PR Machine for Reading Football Club (though I suspect that player's contracts refer to them having an obligation to promote the club as and when required). Equally, however, should he be using Reading FC as a platform for his campaigns, no matter how noble they might be? Were he not likely to be in Reading's squad tomorrow then his announcement/stance would be pretty meaningless and not attracted the same level of publicity.

Will his other employers, the BBC, allow him much, if any, time to promote his views the next occasion they are paying him to appear? I suspect not.

There was talk of our squad meeting today to discuss whether they would join Roberts in his stance and there is now an increasing risk that this issue will detract from what the main purpose of tomorrow should be, the game on the pitch and securing three points.

So Jason, you've made your point and started the debate, how about now focusing on your main job till tomorrow evening? Then, by all means use your media contacts to the full and use your spare time to build up what you see as a proper and effective campaign against racism in football.

I never thought I would agree with much of what SAF says but on this one I think he is pretty spot on. Being paid to play football and being in the studio 20 minutes later is a very big privilege.

[RobRoyal]

Yes, but someone like you didn't like JT prior to this, so you were always going to be on Anton Ferdinand's side with your blinkered view. If JT was found guilty by the courts, I would accept the punishment dished out by the FA. Chelsea have had to fine him, to keep the FA happy. However, given how Jason Roberts is playing the race card, I'm inclined to believe Terry even more now.

I can't contain my amazement at this any longer. Chelsea fan doesn't think racism is a problem and JT has been harshly treated?

What next, the Pope shits in the woods?

[RoyalBlue]

think roberts has achieved more in saying he wouldnt wear the tshirt, than lets kick it out have ever achieved
no one notices the tshirts, or thinks about teh impact of racism wghen theyre being worn
no one talks about them for days after or before teh match.

hes got global coverage, and th eissue is now top of the issue list

And once tomorrow has gone it will be quickly forgotten about as UEFA fine England and let Serbia pretty much off the hook. If Roberts really wants to achieve something he is going to have to work a lot harder and longer than merely stating he won't wear a T shirt.

[pea]

So Jason, you've made your point and started the debate, how about now focusing on your main job till tomorrow evening? Then, by all means use your media contacts to the full and use your spare time to build up what you see as a proper and effective campaign against racism in football.

Surely this is exactly what he is doing/will do?

[RobRoyal]

think roberts has achieved more in saying he wouldnt wear the tshirt, than lets kick it out have ever achieved
no one notices the tshirts, or thinks about teh impact of racism wghen theyre being worn
no one talks about them for days after or before teh match.

hes got global coverage, and th eissue is now top of the issue list

And once tomorrow has gone it will be quickly forgotten about as UEFA fine England and let Serbia pretty much off the hook. If Roberts really wants to achieve something he is going to have to work a lot harder and longer than merely stating he won't wear a T shirt.

Er... I don't think he's making out that journeyman-striker-of-advancing-years-at-little-club-refuses-to-wear-t-shirt-gate is going to be the death knell of racism in the European football.

I think he just doesn't want to wear something celebrating an organisation he thinks has seriously failed.

[melonhead]

think roberts has achieved more in saying he wouldnt wear the tshirt, than lets kick it out have ever achieved
no one notices the tshirts, or thinks about teh impact of racism wghen theyre being worn
no one talks about them for days after or before teh match.

hes got global coverage, and th eissue is now top of the issue list

And once tomorrow has gone it will be quickly forgotten about as UEFA fine England and let Serbia pretty much off the hook. If Roberts really wants to achieve something he is going to have to work a lot harder and longer than merely stating he won't wear a T shirt.

killing all racists>>>>>>>>working hard long term on the issue>>>>>>>>>>>saying you wont wear the tshirt>>>>>>>>>>>just wearing a tshirt
in terms of raising the issues profile

i never said there was no better way to raise the profile, just said he had done so