A dossier compiled by match officials has pointed the finger at the Football Association’s alleged racist structure for obstructing progression opportunities for black and Asian referees.
Dubbed “the black man’s graveyard” by some ethnic minority referees, the sport’s lower levels are facing allegations of white assessors blocking their progression.
The report identified that there are just four referees from ethnic minorities officiating in the country’s top seven divisions and no black or Asian referees working in the Premier League or Championship.
Alleged racist abuse of black and Asian referees has led to a lack of diversity in adjudicating the sport, report reveals
Furthering the disparity, the FA’s 14-member referee committee, tasked with improving diversity in the 24,500-strong referee workforce, has no black or Asian representatives.
Level three London FA referee, Jamaal Horne, says, “there’s definitely an issue with racial inequality at the top of the football league.”
You’ll find ethnically diverse referees in lower league teams due to the socioeconomic impacts.”
Jamaal feels that opportunities should never be afforded solely on race, but on merit and performance too. However, he thinks more needs to be done to equally represent all ethnicities in football refereeing.
Is any action being taken?
In response to the report published by the Observer, an FA spokesperson commented, “We are doing what we can. We have improved the situation since 2015 and we prioritise ethnic diversity.”
The FA have launched ‘A Game for All’, outlining three key strategic commitments towards eradicating racism in the sport and encouraging more diversity at all levels.
Aiming to reach improved inclusion figures by 2024, this program forms an integral part of the organisation’s long-term commitment to creating a game free from discrimination at both elite and grassroots levels.
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HeadlineObserver report blows the whistle on FA’s lack of diversity in refereeing structure
Short HeadlineWhistle blown on FA's allegedly racist refereeing structure
StandfirstFootball Association’s alleged racist system is accused of obstructing black and Asian people from progressing
A dossier compiled by match officials has pointed the finger at the Football Association’s alleged racist structure for obstructing progression opportunities for black and Asian referees.
Dubbed “the black man’s graveyard” by some ethnic minority referees, the sport’s lower levels are facing allegations of white assessors blocking their progression.
The report identified that there are just four referees from ethnic minorities officiating in the country’s top seven divisions and no black or Asian referees working in the Premier League or Championship.
Alleged racist abuse of black and Asian referees has led to a lack of diversity in adjudicating the sport, report reveals
Furthering the disparity, the FA’s 14-member referee committee, tasked with improving diversity in the 24,500-strong referee workforce, has no black or Asian representatives.
Level three London FA referee, Jamaal Horne, says, “there’s definitely an issue with racial inequality at the top of the football league.”
You’ll find ethnically diverse referees in lower league teams due to the socioeconomic impacts.”
Jamaal feels that opportunities should never be afforded solely on race, but on merit and performance too. However, he thinks more needs to be done to equally represent all ethnicities in football refereeing.
Is any action being taken?
In response to the report published by the Observer, an FA spokesperson commented, “We are doing what we can. We have improved the situation since 2015 and we prioritise ethnic diversity.”
The FA have launched ‘A Game for All’, outlining three key strategic commitments towards eradicating racism in the sport and encouraging more diversity at all levels.
Aiming to reach improved inclusion figures by 2024, this program forms an integral part of the organisation’s long-term commitment to creating a game free from discrimination at both elite and grassroots levels.
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