Racism rears its ugly head yet again

Around this time last year, the president of football's world governing body, Fifa, was asked whether he thought there was any racism on the pitch in modern football. "I would deny it ... There is no racism," was his response. Sepp Blatter instead advised players who are the victims of racism (or as he put it, "a word or a gesture which is not the correct one") to simply "say that this is a game" and "at the end of the game, we shake hands".

Aside from the glib at best, offensive at worst, nature of these statements, it has now become shockingly clear that Mr Blatter is also ignorant. Racism does still exist in football, and of late it has been far too prevalent to ignore.

Indeed, any racism in football is abhorrent and repulsive. Players who racistly abuse others are cowards and morally bereft human beings. They exist at the highest level as we are seeing in the English Premier League and in international fixtures in particular lately. But they also exist at the lowest level, even, regrettably, in local club leagues. I am testimony to that, having seen it first-hand here in Wanganui.

It is strange that the issue has suddenly become so obvious in the professional game. Over the last year or so, we have seen allegations of racist abuse (and convictions in some cases) against top players such as John Terry and Luis Suarez, members of the Serbian under-21 football team, and fans from nations such as Croatia, Serbia and the Ukraine, among others.

In September, the British House of Commons released an inquiry into the issue, confirming that, despite improvements in recent years, racism is still a "significant problem" in British football. For many, the improvements that the Culture, Media and Sport committee cited as "huge changes" from the 1970s and 80s "when racial and other forms of abuse were common" are simply not enough.

Players such as Jason Roberts and Rio Ferdinand last week refused to wear the "Kick It Out" T-shirts that most Premier League players wore in warm-ups to mark their "Week of Action", stating that the organisation had failed to make enough progress in the fight against racism.

And, in the eyes of many, their complaints are warranted. It seems ridiculous that, after being convicted by the English Football Association of racially insulting Anton Ferdinand, John Terry received only a four-match suspension and was fined £220,000 ($428,000 - while significant from our perspective, pittance for a professional footballer).

Terry has remained as captain of Chelsea Football Club and the repercussions have been minor in relation to his actions, from the perspective of many fans around the world.

Just this week, another case arose, with Chelsea now accusing referee Mark Clattenburg of using inappropriate racial language towards one of their players.

Regardless of whether Clattenburg is ultimately convicted, once again the issue of racism has marred the way we look back upon an otherwise top quality weekend of football. This ugly concern has reared its head on the most noticeable scale over the past year. It is a shame that has occurred, but clearly, discussing the issue and deciding how to move forward is necessary.

In particular, this is an issue which needs to be addressed at the youth levels of football. That might take many forms, from sending messages through harsh punishments of top players, to more aggressive and less complacent campaigning by organisations such as "Kick It Out".

These should be targeted at young players, using avenues such as advertising on Fifa video games, for example, to communicate the message.

Governing bodies, such as the Uefa and Fifa, as well as national football associations, need to use the harshest of punishments in cases of racial abuse, certainly.

The Serbian Football Association suspending two players and two coaches in the aftermath of the brawl which broke out after the final whistle of their under-21 match against England appeared to be a positive step. However, the association also stated that it "absolutely refuses and denies that there were any occurrences of racism".

It is this kind of rhetoric, ignorance and denial which will hold back the eradication of racism in football. Racism should be dealt with vehemently, from Wembley Park in Wanganui to Wembley Stadium in London.

James Penn is deputy head boy at Wanganui High School and captain of the New Zealand secondary schools debating team.