"Most clubs are still failing to fully implement the eight main recommendations of the 1998 football taskforce on eliminating racism or Kick It Out's 10-point action plan. Last week's campaign was important but much longer operations are needed. There are only a handful of clubs running season-long sustained local campaigns - the best being at Newcastle, Charlton Athletic and in Sheffield and Barnsley."

Good news. If any of you [like me] missed this from the Guardian's website - well done to the club and all those involved. Keep up the good work.

-- Anonymous, November 02, 2001

Answers

All People

-- Anonymous, November 02, 2001

An alternatively pessimistic view is that those clubs need to keep up this campaign due to continuing problems with racist fans.

-- Anonymous, November 02, 2001

Keep kicking away. Heard Luis Boa Morte on Sky last weekend, fairly incredulous about the treatment that Heskey supposedly got in Portugal - after all, there's a sizable afro-caribbean population there anyway..

-- Anonymous, November 02, 2001

I've never seen anything at SJP - whad've I missed?

-- Anonymous, November 02, 2001

You COULD say that Bobby - but the fact is the club are involved and are doing something positive and that should be applauded.

To be honest, I don't think that the racism problem at Newcastle is any worse than it is at ANY of the 92 Football League clubs - much less so in fact than at many clubs. Much of the time, racism rears its ugly head in the pubs and bars around the grounds, in the city centres - but that's still no excuse to bury your head in the sand and pretend it doesn't happen. The reason it's rarely heard thesedays is partly due to changes in attitude but also partly to do with all- seater stadia [NF recruiting on the terraces anyone?]

However, it seems in this instance that the Club is prepared to stand up and be counted and make the effort to ensure it's fought on home territory - and send the message that it won't be tolerated wherever it appears.

-- Anonymous, November 02, 2001

Well if that's the case how come the big ugly bloke along from me in the Gallowgate calls every opposing black player, a f***ing ni**er b*****d at every opportunity and despite threats from all around him and numerous complaints has only had the meekest of warnings from the stewards. Advice along the line of "keep your voice down" and "mind your language please" seem to be the severest punishment for racism.

The lads behind however have been threatened with eviction and season ticket confiscation several times. Their crime, persistent standing. Nobody minds because they are in the back row but they partially obscure the advertising boards when they stand, a heinious crime in the eyes of the stewards.

-- Anonymous, November 03, 2001

Dread,
I feel sure this is a case of the Stewards not doing their job properly here, rather than a lack of care by the Club.

I'll tell you what though - you give me the blerks seat number - anonymously, of course - and I'll take on the challenge of getting him 'sorted' via the Club.

-- Anonymous, November 03, 2001

I think it might also be a case of the bloke being built like the proverbial shithouse. I'll get his seat number but as I said several folk have reported him and I know at least one who has written to the club.

-- Anonymous, November 03, 2001

There was a bloke in front of me (in my old seat) that used to make some racist remarks from time to time but quite a few people complained and he got a warning and packed it in. Don't know if he still does it now as I'm sitting about half a mile further up now.

-- Anonymous, November 03, 2001