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Antisemitism and Other Racism in Football

22 June 2022

Lead MP

Theresa Villiers
Chipping Barnet
Con

Responding Minister

Nigel Huddleston

Tags

Crime & Law EnforcementCommunity SecurityForeign AffairsCulture, Media & SportBenefits & WelfareWomen & Equalities
Word Count: 9297
Other Contributors: 9

At a Glance

Theresa Villiers raised concerns about antisemitism and other racism in football in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

I urge the Minister to ensure that the Online Safety Bill effectively combats antisemitism online, including requiring tech companies to address risks of algorithmic recommendation tools amplifying hate content. Additionally, I call for urgent action to prevent and punish antisemitic behaviour in football grounds and on social media.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Chipping Barnet
Opened the debate
I am concerned about the prevalence of antisemitic incidents in football, including social media abuse directed at Jewish players and fans. Specific incidents mentioned include an online comment against Celtic midfielder Nir Bitton, negative responses to Aston Villa's 'Happy Passover' message, and antisemitic chants by West Ham and Burnley supporters. These incidents highlight that antisemitism remains a serious issue in football despite efforts to combat it.

Government Response

Nigel Huddleston
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Stringer. I thank my right hon. Friend the Member for Chipping Barnet (Theresa Villiers) for securing this important debate and all those who have participated. There is a very clear message coming from this Chamber today; it is clear from my right hon. Friend's comments—and those of all Members who have spoken—that we all share the view that it is of the utmost importance to continue tackling the issues of antisemitism and racism in football, in sport and, indeed, in society. That is why the Government and its arm's length bodies, Sport England and UK Sport, have worked closely with football authorities and the sector to ensure that tackling all forms of racism and discrimination remains a priority. I am personally committed to this, as I want sport to be welcoming to everyone and a true reflection of our diverse society. Over the past year, incidents have been recorded of antisemitism and Jewish fans being abused in the UK and across Europe. Many colleagues today have mentioned the Euro 2020 finals, after which there was an increase in online abuse, indicating that this remains a serious issue in football. The Government has worked with football authorities to tackle the issue by improving reporting systems, providing better training for referees and stewards, and enhancing CCTV equipment around stadiums. One significant action was amending legislation to extend the use of football banning orders so that online abusers can be banned from stadiums for up to 10 years. The FA has adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism and works closely with independent bodies such as Kick It Out to educate people about antisemitism. The Premier League launched a dedicated reporting system in June 2020, which has proven successful in pursuing legal action against offenders. This offence and abuse can be a hate crime, which is illegal and should be pursued in the courts. The fan-led review of football governance recommended that football authorities work even more closely to ensure consistent campaigns across organisations. The Government are pleased that the Premier League, the FA, and the EFL have agreed to collaborate on an overarching campaign for equality, diversity and inclusion across football with Kick It Out. Updates on progress will be provided every six months. Sport England, UK Sport, and other home nations' sports councils published the results of a detailed review of tackling racism in June 2021, which brought together data and gathered lived experiences of racial inequalities in sport. The findings make it clear that racism and racial inequalities still exist within sport in the UK. The updated code places an increased focus on diversity in decision making and requires sports organisations to produce individual diversity and inclusion plans annually. This is essential for attracting and retaining talented athletes from all backgrounds who feel welcomed and respected. Penalties for bad behaviour by fans are the responsibility of the clubs, which need to be punished accordingly. There is no place for racism, sexism, homophobia, or any other kind of discrimination in football or sport more widely. The Government are committed to continuing to work with football authorities to combat racism, discrimination and antisemitism, both in person and online.
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About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.