Most football clubs have been approached for an investigation into discrimination, refused to cooperate. This has been announced by the anti-discrimination agency RADAR from Eindhoven. Reasons ranged from: ‘no time’ and ‘isn’t playing here’ to ‘not wanting to be woke’. The reactions of people who did want to participate show that racism and discrimination are common, but that it is not always seen as something bad.
RADAR spoke to 20 members of amateur clubs in Central and West Brabant and Rotterdam individually, but also 27 in groups. 107 members completed a questionnaire.
Swearing with ‘gay’
What is striking is that the word ‘gay’ is seen as a normal swear word by most members. It is widely used, but it is also seen as harmless and not specifically directed against homosexuals.
Nevertheless, a small shift is visible when it comes to LGBTIQ+ people in amateur football compared to five years ago. According to RADAR, it was often said firmly that there were no gays in (men’s) football. Now it is said that they are probably there, but that they do not make themselves known. Most respondents do not see the fact that swearing with ‘gay’ does not make the situation better for them.
White straights
When it comes to discrimination against people with a different skin color or origin, the respondents say that this often happens. Especially by the opponents or spectators. Discrimination and racism within their own club is something that, according to them, hardly occurs. According to RADAR, white straight men in particular indicated this.
It may explain why most clubs refused to participate in the survey. According to RADAR, they were often told that they didn’t have time, but also that “it doesn’t play here” or that the club “doesn’t want to be woke.” Many clubs do have a code of conduct, but the respondents could not say whether discrimination and racism also occur in it.