Racism in football: South Asians feel brunt of discrimination in England’s lower leagues
- Representatives of Sporting Bengal from the Essex Senior League talk about their experiences of discrimination in semi-professional football
They do not use words such as “Paki” or “n*****” as much these days – not that they are totally expunged from the racist’s handbook – but for Imrul Gazi and his Sporting Bengal players, the intent is clear.
The “terrorist” jibes from opposing players, fans holding up signs reading “There’s only one Boris Johnson” and a referee telling them “you lot are not winning this” is only the foaming surface of a deep racist cesspit that plagues English football at grass roots level.
English fans, players and society may present to the world a united stance against racism when the likes of Raheem Sterling are abused by opposing supporters, even backing calls for players to walk off the pitch should the chants become unbearable.
But remove the TV cameras, the global audience and police presence and the tribal instincts of more than a handful bubble to the surface.
Sporting Bengal tried walking off once – in April against Aveley FC reserves during a cup semi-final – and were punished. So now they don’t complain any more and accept the inevitable abuse and discrimination that South Asian players expect almost every week in England’s semi-professional Essex Senior League.