Whilst racism at football grounds on the whole isn’t as bad as it once was, there are still a few incidents that dominate the news headlines, most notably Raheem Sterling during Manchester City’s visit to Stamford Bridge back in December.
A report by the Press Association (via The Independent), has shown that during the seasons 2014/15 to 2017/18 Leeds United supporters came joint second in the country when it came to arrests related to that had racism as an ‘aggravating factor’ with 15 such incidents along with fellow Championship side Millwall. Manchester United came top of that list with 27 such arrests.
In a statement about the report, Leeds United were quick to show their support for the footballing authorities on the matter, saying that they “are committed with the help of the FA, EFL, Kick it Out and police to do anything we can to eradicate this vile issue from the game.”
In response to news, Leeds United fans took to Twitter to show disgust at their own fans for being caught up in this report, whilst others didn’t seem to think that the numbers made it seem like much of an issue, given how minutely small the minority is in the grand scheme.
I’m ashamed of this,makes me feel sick
— Adam Barlow (@AdamPaulBarlow) June 18, 2019
Not exactly proud company, is it? Like 1985 again….
— EastStandUpper (@EastStandUpper) June 18, 2019
Not exactly proud company, is it? Like 1985 again….
— EastStandUpper (@EastStandUpper) June 18, 2019
In 1982-83 ordinary Leeds fans got together to drive the National Front out of Elland Road. (Led by a supporters fanzine called Marching On Together). We need the same response here.
— BG (@Weller64) June 18, 2019
Is this more of a statement that Leeds are actively clamping down on racists? I have seen numerous videos of Millwall, West Ham, Chelsea fans chanting racists songs, but their arrests for this is fairly low compared to how many are in the videos
— Forever Leeds (@BattysRightHook) June 18, 2019
Fifteen in four seasons at Leeds 27 at Man U. Hardly an epidemic, although none should be tolerated obviously.Bit of perspective required here.
— Dave ???????? (@Dav_m160) June 18, 2019
It’s 4 arrests a year out of over 30,000. Don’t see the story here personally. Racism exists in society not just football, surely the figures just prove it’s no more of issue in the stands?! I’ve had a season ticket for 30 years and genuinely have never seen/heard any racism
— . (@robw123q) June 18, 2019
Only have to look at some of the comments on Facebook and Twitter when @LUFC put out a simple ‘Eid Mubarak’ message. Vile and racists need to be thrown out for good to ensure we have a wider fan base. Still too many local Asians and blacks not willing to visit ER @andrearadri
— Qareebo (@ws2781) June 18, 2019