Football magazines do not seem to have any bias in whether they use black or white players, and in the 1997 issue of "Match" there was a large section dedicated to former Arsenal goal machine Ian Wright. This is relevant because it shows that these magazines didn't have bias then, even though there are several issues in football that still do have this bias against black players. These magazines always feature a various set of players.
Arsenal have many a black player in their squad and certainly have no prejudice. Thierry Henry, Sylvain Wiltord, Patrick Vieira, Sol Campbell and Kolo Toure are just a few examples. But what of other clubs? Could you name a black player for every club off the top of your head? Perhaps now, it is much easier to do this than say five years ago.
The last Premier League manager who was black was lollipop-sucker Jean Tigana at Fulham. Tigana was recently awarded �455000 of unpaid wages at a tribunal. However, there is one black coach that comes to mind; former Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest legend Viv Anderson. More importantly however, he made history in 1978 when he became the first black player to represent England. If you look now, there are plenty of black players to represent England; Sol Campbell, Rio Ferdinand, Kieron Dyer and Ashley Cole for Example. Anderson is currently on the coaching staff at Middlesborough.
Another black player to represent England in the 80's was Liverpool star John Barnes, who also represented Watford and Newcastle. He won a total of 79 caps. Barnes attempted a spell at management with Scottish giants Celtic, before he was sacked after a poor run of results, and huge criticism from fans. Barnes is currently applying his trade in the media as a pundit for ITV's "The Premiership" and as a presenter for Channel 5. Interesting fact: Barnes has appeared on a couple of records including the Football Version of "World In Motion" by New Order which also featured stars like Paul Gascoigne and Chris Waddle.
Cyrille Regis is one ex-footballer who quit coaching as he believed he was overlooked for promotion because he was black. He said "I have completed all my coaching badges but I think a number of chairmen are still hesitant about appointing a black manager. As players we broke down the barriers by performing on the pitch, now we have to break down the barriers at the management and coaching level. Some black players are put off from going into coaching because they feel that they will not be given the same opportunities." (http://www.monitoring-group.co.uk/News%20and%20Campaigns/news-stories/2003/sport/campaign_to_get_more_black_football_managers.htm)
Obviously, these days, a lot has changed in modern day football and such incidents are supposedly no longer tolerated in English football. Is the FA doing enough? They have given full backing to the "kick it out"campaign.
Between 11-21 October an "Inaugural national anti-racist week" was held, and a couple of superstars made appearances to back the campaign.
The legend and debatably, greatest footballer of all time, Brazil and Santos star Pele give his views. The other famous face was Nelson Mandela, who also gave a speech.
When I have visited Blackburn Rovers football club, I can admit I have heard racist chants towards players such as Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke. However, it is not just black players. We must not forget that it is not just in reference to whether you are black or white, but also whether you are Catholic or Protestant, as examples have been seen in Northern Ireland, not over football in this case, but it can still be a problem - take Rangers and Celtic games for instance. This is a good example of religion in control.
France stars Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit and Robert Pires come in for a lot of stick but for different reasons. Is this because the footballing public see them as "cheats" or just because they are French? Only those hurling this abuse can answer this question.
TV's very own Alf Garnett was hardly a solution to these problems further adding fuel to the fire with some comments that would be deemed totally unacceptable today, and surely many felt the same way then. However, the claret and blue hammers fan was talking from what was supposed to be his own personal experience, now though the bubble has burst. His comments are seen as extremely racist and would not pass in any sort of television show proposal now.
The man who has become the first ever Asian Indian player is striker Biachung Bhutia for Bury Football Club. He was also the first ever Indian player to sign a professional contract in Europe. His stay in English football didn't last long however as after joining the Shakers in 1999, he left after the 2001/2002 season, to return to India. Will there ever be an Asian Player to hit the big time? Will we see an Asian footballer in the premiership? My guess will be in the next two or three years, as clubs like Birmingham City have set up academies to help the progression of Asian players.
Everyone is in on the act in trying to promote the kicking racism out of football campaign. Players Football Association Chief Executive Gordon Taylor is also doing his part. Many players are involved in various campaigns, charities and other such things including Blackburn Rovers star Andy Cole's "Andy Cole Children's Foundation" which is for helping young suffering children all over the world, not just the poorest countries.
Recently, at the Blackburn versus Charlton match, (which was live on Sky) Rovers staff were encouraged to wear their "Let's Kick Racism Out of Football" badges, and a huge banner was placed across the pitch. As time has passed people are becoming more and more aware of this problem, and more steps are being taken to ensure that these guys (as long as they're good enough) make the grade.
I think that we may well see several Asian players coming into the game in the next two or three years, as many seem to be progressing through the youth academies at clubs like Birmingham, and they will go on to be first team regulars and also internationals, and hopefully have success throughout Europe and South America. However, only time will tell wether or not this is the case.