I can remember an incident at a Gills game...I think a few seasons back, where a fan was being sought after alleged racist remarks towards a player. However, during that same game there was much colourful language towards a particular manager during that game. I argued that within a decade I reckon those same fans condemning will also beheld to account for their actions on the terraces. I'm certainly not trying to defend racism far from it. However, I was attempting to highlight how in the future certain other actions will also be deemed as a criminal offence in my big brother watch of the nation. As we are forever moving towards a police state. Well it looks like I was wrong again...we will not have to wait that decade... http://news.sky.com/story/1132181/football-fans-face-online-abuse-prosecution http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23796712 Quote: The policy, issued by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) also deals specifically with homophobic chanting. It said: "As well as tackling violence, disorder and criminal damage we will deal robustly with offences of racist and homophobic and discriminatory chanting and abuse and other types of hate crime." So what will be defined by the police, now and in the future, as offences of abuse? Quote: The CPS said there was a "place for humour in football but where the line between humour and offensive behaviour is crossed then positive action will be taken". I suppose we will just have to resort to that particular manager in the future as looking like a flower and smells of perfume...or does that fall under the category of homophobic chanting or sexism...instead of the wonders of nature.
If I ( along with the greater majority of the attendees at the Brentford game )got arrested for the chants towards the referee - I'm pretty sure there would be a lot more than 12 'men' who would be able to acquit me. brb you talk about time scales and impending police state - how long before we start getting gassed if we dare to protest ? The definition of justice according to the Crown Prosecution Service is a joke. Did you know that if you commit 15 sexual offences against under age girls you get 15 months jail ! ( Stuart Hall ) - I know that has now been doubled ( only after a fuss ) - but, with 'good behaviour' he'll still only serve half - receiving celebrity status and the protection that the innocent victims never had. I don't call that justice. As for hurting the feelings of players - do me a favour - the performance by the Gills players ( except Nelson) at Molinuex, was fully deserving of all the lack of humour you could muster. ( totally different v Brentford ) I will give credit & criticism ( with qualification ) as I see fit. I would hope for the same, qualified reciprocation - better than back stabbing hyprocisy.
I don't think it's that hard to work out what's purely banter and what isn't. Simple fact is, there is no room for banter when it comes to race in any day and age. As for homophobia; chants like 'does your boyfriend know you're here' or the 'we scored (x) they scored one, Brighton take it up the bum' are purely banter and outright hilarious. That's the kind of stuff you let go. In a world where homophobia, sexism and racism are still fresh in people's minds as what were once great problems, we need to make positive steps forward. As for Evans, well I don't think there's much that can be done there. You have to stop short of actual threats, but there's little that an be done to stop the chanting that has gone on at Priestfield.
Since he is fat and Scottish how can that be racist when it is in fact accurate, calling him a w****r or b*****d is abusive but if we all ran to the old Bill anytime we were called something like that we would be told we we were wasting police time
town end Please see my posts in the thread Three Arrested friendly advice - please be careful of what you write - whilst it may be unlikely that you will be prosecuted for your comments (above) -- it is better not to tempt fate. Anything that may relate to incidents of racism is a very hot political potato as it concerns action by the a police - who would need no second invitation to take action just so as to be seen to be addressing racism --- bearing in mind that the Police receive much criticism for 'inaction' from those who see themselves as targets of race crime.
Ok, I think what i'll do is close this thread so everyone uses the other thread on the topic, just saves me having eyes all over the place. Sorry it was my fault for starting them and just a quick polite reminder to people be careful what we write. Kent Police are involved in this and it is a bit too close to home to chance.
