2015-02-21 11:26:00

Paris incident shows racism ongoing in sport, Europe


(Vatican Radio) The violent and racist behaviour of a group of football fans of the English club Chelsea, during the build-up to a champions league game in Paris, has drawn strong condemnation and calls for an investigation. Though some observers say it also highlights the ongoing problem of racism in sport and in general European society.

Listen to the report by Peter Kenny:

The fans were filmed singing a song that flaunted their racism and repeatedly preventing Souleymane Sylla, a French citizen of African descent, from boarding the Paris Métro by shoving him back onto the platform.

The office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) is among those that has strongly condemned the racist behaviour.

“In recent years we have been engaging in discussions with both FIFA and UEFA about exploring ways to enhance the effort to drum racism out of football after numerous examples of racist behaviour by football fans, especially inside stadiums – and the events in the Richelieu-Drouot Metro station in Paris show that much work remains to be done before racism is truly eradicated from sport, let alone from society at large,” said UNHCHR spokesman Rupert Colville.

Colville said the rights council welcomes the French authorities investigation into the incident. British police said they will assist French authorities in identifying the people involved and support them in any legal action they choose to take.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said he is ashamed of the racist fans.

Colville said it is important to recognize that the Paris incident was not an isolated incident. He said similar acts of cruel and casual racism take place every single day, all across Europe, without arousing much indignation, because they are not caught on camera. 








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