Yes this is a discussion about an initiative set up by Chelsea. Yet it’s an issue all Arsenal fans should all be aware of and affects all of our match day experience.
Roman Abramovich’ Chelsea believe those caught of anti-semitism, instead of simply being banned for life should be sent to Auschwitz to be re-educated. Our London rivals hearts are in the right place, yet is it down to football to be educating men and women about an issue where they should know better.
“If you just ban people, you will never change their behaviour,” Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck told The Sun.
“This policy gives them the chance to realise what they have done, to make them want to behave better.
“In the past, we would take them from the crowd and ban them, for up to three years.
“Now we say ‘You did something wrong. You have the option. We can ban you or you can spend some time with our diversity officers, understanding what you did wrong’.”
At most grounds you have to be over the age of 16 to purchase a ticket. Racism is against the law. Would these same people subject others to the same level of abuse, in a shop, pub or place of work? You would expect your employer to sack you if you racially abused one of your peers, not to be flown to Poland to be made aware. If found guilty, a history lesson is not considered a sentence. So If the law has a zero tolerance policy, shouldn’t sport?
For too long, stadiums have become venues where people think they can get away with actions they wouldn’t do in the real world. Do you believe the majority who come up with these sick chants are not aware of the seriousness of their words?The less of them showing up at the Emirates the better. Those cowardly enough to abuse another human, should face the consequences if ever caught, not a paid trip abroad.
I visited Auschwitz myself and found it inspirational to imagine what young children and women experienced. Thousands go there every year to pay respect, to acknowledge history. Racists shouldn’t get the honour of going anywhere the place.
Second Chances ?
Being Educated ?
Being made aware ?
Making excuses for them is a backwards step….
Dan Smith