Dear Sirs,

I’m just writing to express my appreciation in how you, the SFA are upholding the tradition of proper Scotland match chants. In these days of the ridiculous “political correctness” with bans on proper old firm songs, it makes it difficult for me, as a responsible parent, to instil the correct values that a young Hun/Tim should be learning. Why, only the other day my son was punished for saying things like

“Stand up if you hate the pakis”   "clap your hands if you hate the chinkis"

Apparently young Mohammed Mahmood and Xian Chi not only have poor a sense of humour, but couldn’t understand my sons’ right to freedom of expression! I’m delighted by the pragmatic approach you’ve taken. Not taking any action is perhaps the best way to condone the singing, and pronounce the fact, that in this proud nation of ours, a prejudice such as this, is not only healthy, but a rightful part of our heritage and culture. A thing to be nurtured. How better way for us to define ourselves to our European Union brethren than by declaring who we hate?! This lack of action on your part, not cracking down on what stinking liberals would call “intolerance”, is great for ensuring that this tradition continues to be enjoyed for generations to come!

You’ll have to excuse me, if I don’t laugh at this particular joke. Growing up with an English mother made for an interesting childhood with it's (un)fair share of taunts and prejudice. Here I am abroad, a few years later, and I switch on the television to hear “If you hate the fucking English clap your hands” being chanted during the under 21s match. The question I put to you Sir, is why exactly is this prejudice considered differently? If it is considered acceptable, does that make it alright? (Socially acceptable prejudices existed in Germany too, just over 50 years ago.) It’s not a case of being English, Scottish or from Timbuktu…when chanted:

“If you hate the fucking [anyone], clap your hands”

It's enough to annoy my, and most other people’s sensibilities. It’s your job as the responsible authority to take responsible action on this matter. I consider myself to be a Scotland fan, last time I was in Hampden and heard “stand up if you hate the English”. I know football is a team game, but when the chants become derogatory on a lower level, not just an insult to an opposing team, but a race or religion, then this does not create a welcoming or appropriate atmosphere to any outsiders. Was it just me, or are there hardly any Scotland supporters from our ethnic population? This obsession is an unhealthy blight on our national game…even the best excuse are invalid: we weren’t even playing England that day. I doubt the broadcasting of live matches pre-watershed with it’s current content meets the ITC requirements and there are several other avenues of legality and courses of action that can be pursued, to resolve this matter. However, the question I am putting to you, is what exactly are you going to do to prevent this; a token gesture press release, a “stamp it out” campaign? Anything would be better than the current inaction that makes you appear as a silent supporter of this.

Sincerely,

DT.

 It seems that every country has acceptable and unacceptable degrees of racism, what can be dismissed as "neighbourly banter". It is an idealistic opinion, but surely one which an organisation which is supposed to be in charge, should be trying to uphold. There's no such thing as "a little bit prejudice"... you are, or you aren't.