The families of Arsenal stars Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott are not going to the Euro’s because of racism.
How sad is it that in the year 2012 racism is still in full flow, or so it would seem in football.
I really don’t blame them, but at the same time I feel sorry for them; representing your country is a great honour but at what price?
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It shouldn’t make a difference if you’re blue, pink, purple, black or white; if you are the best or at least one of the best in your chosen field then why shouldn’t you go and your family watch you?
Is it because someone whose skin isn’t the same colour as yours disagrees? If only that were the case then there wouldn’t really be a problem.
Back in the eighties when black players first started coming through the football system the chants of, ‘monkey!’ and making monkey sounds and throwing banana skins at the black players seemed acceptable to the fans.
Of course that was thirty years ago but I bet the players that had that done to them won’t forget.
The problem in this day and age is it’s far worse than that; threats of violence are often made and it must be scary.
I don’t blame the players families for not going; why put up with rubbish when you don’t have to.
Both families have said it’s a safety issue; I’m guessing the Ukraine authorities can’t guarantee that.
Are you saddened to learn at the families’ decision? Have they made the right one?
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
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