“It is staggering from anyone, let alone the leader of our national game”
Kick It Out have issued a statement condemning FA Chairman Greg Clarke’s use of problematic language in a meeting with the Department for Media, Culture and Sport on Tuesday.
On numerous occasions, Clarke used the term “coloured”, perpetuated a racial stereotype about Asian people, and implied being gay was a “life choice.”
Both Clarke and the FA have since apologised for his use of archaic terminology.
An FA spokesperson said: “Greg Clarke is deeply apologetic for the language he used to reference members of the ethnic minority community during the select committee hearing today,” said the spokesperson.
Football’s leading anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out have since published a statement, calling Clare’s comments “unacceptable.”
“I was extremely disappointed to see Greg Clarke’s comments today in the DCMS select committee,” said Kick It Out chairman Sanjay Bhandari.
“His use of outdated language to describe black and Asian people as “coloured” is from decades ago and should remain consigned to the dustbin of history.
“Being gay is not a ‘life choice’ as he claimed too. The casual sexism of saying ‘girls’ do not like balls hit at them hard, is staggering from anyone, let alone the leader of our national game.
“It is completely unacceptable.”
Our response to comments made today by Greg Clarke at the DCMS Select Committee 👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/uZ7Iep4PMt
— Kick It Out (@kickitout) November 10, 2020
Bhandari then followed up with additional comments, saying he was particularly concerned about Clarke’s use of the stereotype around Asian people working in IT.
“It reflects lazy similar stereotypes I have heard been spouted at club academy level,” he said.
“That kind of attitude may partially explain why South Asians are statistically the most under-represented ethnic minority on the pitch.”
When the “coloured” comment is maybe not even the worst thing he said today…a few thoughts: pic.twitter.com/jpDooEI1BZ
— Sanjay Bhandari MBE (@SanjayKickItOut) November 10, 2020
