Allow me to make a start by saying, never in a million years did I think I’d write a blog post about football. I’ve never been into sport but there’s something about the Euro’s that has got me excited. Maybe it’s because we were doing so well in the tournament and after the year and a half we’ve had, I’ll take any win that this country has to offer.
Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve really started to see how skilled the footballers are. I’ve seen how Gareth Southgate has led his team like a true gentleman. In the final on Sunday 11th July, you could visibly see Roberto Mancini getting quite het up about what was happening on the pitch. Of course, we didn’t have access to the managers reactions throughout the whole game but Gareth barely lost his cool, from what I saw. I think he’s a breath of fresh air compared to some of the old-fashioned managers. Young enough to relate to the team and old enough to have the wisdom.
If I’m honest, one of the reasons I have always avoided football in particular is because I generally associate it with beer-drinking, argumentative lunatics. But even more so since I discovered the connections to violence against women. In 2014 a study found the number of domestic abuse incidents reported to police increased by 38% when England lost a match compared to when they weren’t playing. It was 26% higher if England won or there was a draw. As a woman, these facts sicken me to my core. I texted my boyfriend to say I’m lucky to feel safe at home. What an absurd situation. It’s terrifying to think of.
Reuben Dangoor – 3 Lions in the Shirt
You can check out more of their artwork here: http://www.reubendangoor.co or on Instagram.
On Sunday, Marcus Rashford stepped up to take a penalty and the ball bounced off the goal post. Jadon Sancho had a go. His attempt was saved by the giant Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. The same happened to Bukayo Saka. It doesn’t matter to me how old these lads are. It doesn’t matter to me whether they should have been picked to take a penalty. I don’t know enough about the game to comment on these factors but what I do know is that if you are disappointed in members of the England squad and the only way you know how to vent that frustration is to attack the colour of their skin, you are scum. I saw someone saying on Instagram that if you see any of the endless racist abuse on Twitter, you should report these individuals to Twitter. You should also try searching their name on LinkedIn to let their employer know. I don’t want to hear that this is ‘snitching’. At some point, actions HAVE to have consequences.
Over the past few years, I have seen our England flag out and about and it honestly leaves a bitter taste in my mouth because it reminds me of lager louts. I am sick to death of living in a country that enables thugs. I’m hoping we can come together as a nation, a world even, and put an end to this vile behaviour. I want to see a brighter, happier future for my nieces and nephews.
Should you wish to find out more about Women’s Aid or want to research anti-racism, click on the links below.