14 November 2019

'This is a societal problem, not just a football problem' - Kick It Out launch full review to combat racism

Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out have launched an internal review into the organisation in an attempt to find a strategy to best combat racism. 

New chairman Sanjay Bhandari announced yesterday he is set to speak to the Premier League, the FA, the EEL and the PFA as part of the process.

Bhandari said: "[Racism] is a societal problem, not just a football problem. But football has a unique ability to influence social attitudes and can effect positive social change. 

"What I believe is that, for football, the answers will lie in collaborating and diving into the detail where the devil resides."

The 51 year-old replaced former chairman Lord Herman Ouseley in September, who was in the role for 26 years.

"Players and fans will be at the heart of what we do. Second, the biggest obstacle to success will be silo mentality and vested interest," added Bhandari.

"Third, to create those solutions, we will need to build more robust and connected data and technology strategies around discrimination, diversity and inclusion across the entire football industry. Data is likely to be a cornerstone of our future.

"Football is a sprawling, extended and sometimes dysfunctional family. We need to collaborate more. I hope that Kick It Out can become the galvanising force to bring the football family together to focus on solutions."

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