CARJ urges more responsible attitude from football managers as hate crimes soar

The vice chair of the Catholic Association for Racial Justice (CARJ) has welcomed the increase in the number of prosecutions for race related hate crime but called for an examination of conscience among public figures, like football managers, for their role in promoting an atmosphere where racism is considered acceptable in society.

The annual report from the Crown Prosecution Service has found that the number of race and religiously motivated hate crimes prosecuted rose from 10,398 in 2007/8 to 11,038 in 2010/11. Some 12,711 of the 15,284 hate crime prosecutions in 2010-11 were race-related, with 83% of cases leading to a conviction.

The total number of hate crimes prosecuted rose from 13,921 in 2009/10 to 15,284 for the past year. Some 579 were convicted of hate crimes against the disabled in 2010/11, an increase of 77% over four years.

Vice chair of CARJ, Haynes Baptiste welcomed the focus on racially motivated hate crime but believes the figures suggest the re-emergence of the openly racist attitudes in society, last seen in the 1970s and 80s.

He called on authority figures in society, like football managers, to take a more responsible attitude. “It is wrong that footballers can make racist comments and then be supported by their managers – this sends out the wrong signals,” said Mr Baptiste. “These attitudes need to be challenged, not just in this country but Europe wide and particularly in the sporting arena.”