Man arrested and Leeds United investigating racist incidents at Elland Road - Angus Kinnear vows strongest possible action please log in to view this image There were two separate allegations of racist abuse at Elland Road on Tuesday night when Stoke visited (Pic: Getty) please log in to view this image GRAHAM SMYTH Email Published: 16:44Thursday 29 August 2019 Leeds United managing director Angus Kinnear has vowed to take the strongest possible action to stamp out racism at Elland Road after a spate of isolated incidents. A supporter in the South Stand was arrested on Tuesday when Stoke visited in the Carabao Cup and has already been banned by the club. Leeds are also investigating a separate allegation of racist abuse directed towards a Stoke player from the West Stand. And video footage seen by the YEP shows another Leeds fan, again in the South Stand, shouting racial slurs at a Nottingham Forest player during the game on 10th August. The Whites are also looking into that incident and the Kick it Out campaign are aware. Managing director Angus Kinnear told the YEP that the club will pass evidence of racist abuse to the authorities and do whatever they can to eradicate the issue at the ground. He said: "We are bitterly disappointed by the reports of racist behaviour this week and supporters can rest assured that they are being investigated thoroughly, all acts of racism will be met with the strongest possible penalties and evidence will be handed to the authorities. "We will continue to work with the EFL, FA, Kick it Out and our fan base to ensure everyone feels included at Elland Road." A supporter witnessed the police dealing with one of Tuesday night's incidents and says that while racism isn't as prevalent as the 1980s it still exists at Elland Road. The man, who has asked to remain nameless, said: "I stood and watched it, a lad was clearly making a claim of racism against another person and I could see the police were dealing with it properly so I just went. "I've been going to Leeds games since the 80s and I stopped going for three years because of the racism. "It put me off. I was spat on in the Kop, racially abused. "It's still there but it's nowhere near as prevalent as it was. You hear stuff, I'm aware there's certain things going on but I feel totally safe, I enjoy going there." A police spokesperson confirmed a man was arrested during the game. "Police within the stadium became aware of a report of a racially aggravated public order offence on Tuesday night," said the spokesperson. "A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of the offence and has been released without charge. Enquiries into this incident remain ongoing. "Subsequent to that officers have been made aware of an allegation of racist chants – also within the stadium on Tuesday night. Enquiries remain ongoing." Earlier this year Home Office arrest figures revealed that over the seasons between 2014/15 and 2017/18, 15 Leeds fans were arrested for racism-related offences. The YEP understands that any proven allegation of racist behaviour at the ground will lead to a permanent ban. The club has urged supporters to report incidents via their matchday text service. A spokesperson said: "Any supporters who experience any acts of racism should contact us immediately using our matchday incident text service on 07887 514789 or by emailing [email protected]." Fans can also report incidents to Kick it Out, who say racial discrimination in football is on the up. A spokesperson said: "“Racism and discrimination continues to cast a dark shadow over football in this country. Everyone involved in football has a responsibility to tackle discrimination and make the game welcome to all, regardless of their background. “Our statistics show that incidents of discrimination in the game are on the rise, and we will continue to work with the police, clubs and the football bodies to challenge the issue. Fans play a vital role too and we urge anyone who hears or witnesses discrimination at
We need to be seen as taking a stance against racism, I fully understand that and without trying to open a can of worms, is their any difference in abusing someone calling them a “Dirty ****er” or “Black whatever”? One is classed as racism, the other is still abuse but it’s seen as acceptable? What about “yooouuuu fat ****er” is that not sizeism, or the term ****da. Just food for thought, in 20 years time will all kinds of verbal abuse be banned from grounds?
Agree 100%. There's a clear focus on abuse centring on sexual orientation & racism. But why only these two? Any kind of abuse should be treated in the same manner. For example, for 60 years I've suffered every kind of smartass who thinks he's got a new fat joke to hurl at me. Water off a duck's back now, but it wasn't when I was young. These days I realise that they're trying to provoke a reaction for some reason or other. I like to disappoint them. If I did decide to give the abuser a kicking, I'd prolly get the jail. If however I was gay or 'of colour', I could play either of those cards & almost certainly get off. It's all gone too far, imo. I agree that abuse of it is nice, but I'm pretty sure the ref doesn't hear the vile abuse I hurl at him, and I can guarantee you that I would never dream of doing it face to face. We just like to blow off steam at the football, but sadly, that outlet on the terracing will eventually disappear. I've been on my last warning a number of times for swearing at the match. Ludicrous. Had 2 stewards & the Stand Manager standing over me on one occasion. And ironically, they ignored all of the swearing going on around me (the regulars deliberately winding up the stewards, as if 'it's not only him, you know, matey). But to get back to your point, Whilst I sympathise with the gay & 'of colour' victims, what about the fat, the thin, the spotty, the speccy, the tall, the short, the ginners, the mentally impaired? The list goes on, but it's not fashionable to do anything about it. Should be one rule for all - and only for the most vile offences. I laugh when I think about Phil Lynott RIP, of Thin Lizzy. Asked what he thought about being a black Irish bastard, he replied that he wasn't at all bothered, as he was indeed black, Irish & a bastard.
I've been called every name under the sun, the difference is I don't go crying to the authorities, I give it back. I do have an issue that the black person seems to have a monopoly on all things regarding race. As long as the banter isn't aggressive and violent or stirring hatred up, I'm not bothered. Society today is far too sensitive, from news announcers warning people of scary images to TV commentators apolgising for swearing from the terraces.
That has the opposite effect on me. When they apologise for the bad language I rewind it to hear what I missed
Problem with so called racism is, it doesn't really exist unless you hate the whole human race. Pick your nose with a white hanky and you're so called racist, or a white supremacist these days. The word racist is banded about too often nowadays, like f u c k and w a n k e r etc, those words were frowned upon, but now accepted by most as part of every day life. Someone comes up with a word, like feminist, sexist etc, their friends or group or cult use it and others jump on bandwagon. What exactly is so called racism..........no one can answer it properly cos it comes down to personal perception.
