It's all about Kick It Out getting press attention. It's obviously an appallingly slow news day considering even Townsend was annoyed it was making 'headlines'. Unnecessary stress on the National side when they've just done a very good job at qualifying for the World Cup. If it was intended to cause offence, then fair enough, but considering Townsend knew he was messing (probably some inside joke), it's just a pointless News story.
"I don't know what all this fuss is about. No offence was meant and none was taken! It's not even news worthy!" That quote is from Troy Townsend, father of Andros Townsend and someone who works for Kick It Out.
I really would like to know who leaked this. I hope it was Tom Cleverley, then he can be banned from the national side.
I'd like to know what possessed him to call his son Andros. Too much Lylat Wars.... (for those N64 players out there...)
OMG..The WC hasn't even kicked off yet and the knives are out for Roy. The tabloid gutter press will hype the team to such a degree that loads will think they're nailed on winners. Only for the reality to kick in during the group stage. Our players are too creamed following a long hard season with numerous game in the Champs League. FA CUP, Prem to perform well enough to get to the last four of the WC. See 2010 and 2006.
“NASA decided they’d finally send a man up in a capsule after sending only monkeys in the earlier missions,” “They fire the man and the monkey into space. “The intercom crackles, 'Monkey, fire the retros.' “A little later, 'Monkey, check the solid fuel supply.' “Later still, “Monkey, check the life support systems for the man.' “The astronaut takes umbrage and radioes NASA, 'When do I get to do something?' “NASA replies, 'In 15 minutes - feed the monkey.' Anyone who thinks that is racist is wrong. It's a joke about a monkey and an astronaut. If England had Mike Collins on the wing then fair enough it would be offensive 'cos it is obviously anti-astronautist, but they haven't. Far more worrying is what the hell is Woy doing a stand up routine at half time for? He's only got 10 minutes to get his point across. Just say 'give the ****ing ball to Townsend you soppy twats'. They'll understand.
It would seem that the usual gutter-media (those are the press who claim to have a sense of righteousness, yet exhibit piss poor day-to-day standards - now where else can you find that?) have set out their usual blustering stall to find the bad in a good man. It would also appear, judging from the comments on here and elsewhere, that the call for an inquiry into it are racially motivated, an overkill (and unnecessary) and the act of an over-rated body, which is Kick It Out. My view is that the player's complaint to the press (if there definitely has been one) is scurrilous, cowardly and self-damning. I also believe that Kick It Out has a very important role to play, as long as it exercises it's mandate with fairness, firmness and understanding. I also believe that a full, rapid and open inquiry into this complaint is essential to the credibility of the future of the fight against racism and bigotry; the very realm of KIO. Not to do so masks the truth, it allows the paper and the player to hide and it allows an untruth to go unchallenged. Make this player account for his actions, if there are none to be answered then let us find out who does need to be accountable. I believe that the resounding criticism on this board is wrongly directed and ill-advised.
it would also appear that you haven't read any of the posts on here or any of yesterday's papers, since you are saying what everyone else on here and in the papers has said and telling us we said the opposite.
Have you read this thread? (Which is what I have said I am commenting on) Kick It Out are taking a kicking for, initially, demanding an inquiry for what everyone sees as a baseless accusation in the media, which the media claim to have received from an involved footballer; the choice of potential complainers is rather limited. The strong message on this thread is that it perceives KIO to be over-playing the racist card and making matters worse. The truth is that once the FA made their statement, KIO have fully accepted that the matter is now concluded and that was well before many of the posts on here. My point is that the inquiry was/is essential so that the reckless nature of the complaint can be attributed to its rightful owner; no matter what happens, this will fester and a name will come to the fore, so let's make sure it's the right one. There is also the possibility that a player has been mis-quoted by a story zealous journalist (not for the first time) and that the good reputation of the player and the manager has been brought into doubt unnecessarily. Either way an investigation is warranted so that the true culprit can be found, outed and publicly made to account for their actions; in other words, turn the tables on them. KIO have said the matter is concluded because the FA have said no complaint was received, but my point is that the original report (that caused Roy Hodgson to publicly apologise) be fully investigated so people will think twice about making sensational comment. I have read and listened to much comment on this and I have struggled to find anywhere, anything that earns KIO the kicking it is receiving on here. Edit: it seems that Roy Hhodgson has done an exclusive for the Daily Mail and is furious about the controversy. It is not KIO who seek to investigate the matter further but the Society of Black Lawyers chairman Peter Herbert does not consider the matter closed and will be putting in a formal complaint. I am uncertain of why he wants this, but an investigation will deter others from making gratuitous complaints/comments within earshot of reporters and if it turns out that it is irresponsible and concocted nonsense from a journalist, then that can be dealt with by their governing body and the general public who can choose not to buy the rag.
i think the Joke was used as an analogy to explain that for all the experience and skill the players have , right now pass it to the new lad , the lets say untrained (internationally) As for it being racist , it must surely show RH in the opposite light , He clearly doesnt see Townsend only as a black footballer and feel the need to pussy foot around in his turn of phrase What Roy must see is a young kid causing havoc on the pitch , his skin colour is immaterial and therefor the Joke doesnt need to be tempered , Had he substituted the Monkey for a Chicken people would say he changed the animal for fear of being accused of comparing AT to a monkey . all in all a load of bollocks that always happens to England
