Racism needs the red card

FOR the last 10 years or so, it appeared the FA had managed to put a lid on it.

But events of late have proven there is still a sorrowful issue with racism in football.

It is probably reflective of society at large. Take the neighbourhood where Stephen Lawrence was murdered, for example.

Spin doctors would have us believe such deep felt loathing for others, simply because of their skin colour, had been addressed among residents since the teen’s brutal murder.

But a recent journey beneath the skin of those people living in Eltham, South East London, proved prejudices are a long way from being properly addressed.

Back to football and the shameful scenes witnessed at Barrow AFC’s ground last year – in which a local fan racially abused the goalkeeper of Crawley Town – were back at the fore again yesterday.

Andrew Butterfield denied he was guilty of a race hate crime – but failed to convince a jury.

He was sentenced to 100 hours of community service – just deserts for a man who has marred what is, for the best part, a friendly and welcoming club.

Many will argue, however, this sentence is not enough. Indeed it’s something of a surprise that organisations, both locally and nationally, have not called for Butterfield to be banned from UK football grounds.

There is not, nor will there ever be, a place for racism in football, or society in general. The more we can do to stress this point, the better.