Social Issues in Football - First Draft.

Given the task to discuss ‘Social Issues’ is quite a broad and diverse topic. Sticking to what I know, I decided to try and get a better indication about how social issues affect football. Using Twitter (which will come prevalent later on) I decided to gain a better understanding of several issues such as Racism and Depression which have hit Football hard in the latter stages of this year.

Twitter is something I’ve been a part of for several months now as it helps to break down the barriers between fan and footballer. For me in particular it has improved my writing significantly and therefore my grades. Without Twitter, I don’t necessarily know where I’d be today. I’d certainly not be writing for the local paper and my dreams of becoming a Sports Journalist would be non-existent.

I caught up with many faces from local to national level to discuss different issues that face the current game. Before I commence with the article, I’d like to thank everyone that has taken part. Considering I’m just a 17 year old student, it was a privilege and an honour to speak to what I consider ‘Football People.’

One of the main reasons for this was the incidents that happened earlier this season. Firstly, the Luiz Suarez and Patrice Evra incident regarding racism I found quite upsetting, particularly from a Manchester United perspective. Then, within a couple of weeks, our own John Terry was reported a racist towards Anton Ferdinand in an incident which was a flashpoint of many in a meaty accoutre between QPR and Chelsea during October. 

Terry, whose language I won’t repeat for the benefit of my readers, is certainly someone with some importance. Current England and Chelsea captain, Terry is a role model for many young children and to have such cases of an indisputable act shows such lack of maturity and respect. How ironic that both John Terry and Luis Suarez were both seen wearing a ‘Kick it Out’ shirt warming up prior to when both Chelsea and Liverpool clashed. “Let’s Kick Racism Out Of Football” is their operative motto but I just can’t see why we can’t just kick John Terry out of the England team? But, even with my Manchester United tinted glasses on, we can’t surpass the fact that it isn’t just Terry causing a stir. And also, in Terry’s defence, “you’re incident until proven guilty.”

Depression

Depression.  The reported illness that led to the tragic loss of Wales manager Gary Speed. Taken from us at just 42, Gary, whose career needs no explaining, was the ultimate professional. A quintessentially British midfielder, his technical abilities as well as his work-rate and the never say die attitude he brung to the game was a pleasure to watch. Now I could write a long heart-felt tribute to Gary Speed but the emotion comes from an article I read from Dan Walker from the BBC. Dan, a close friend to Gary, is the host of Football Focus which was Gary’s last ever TV appearance, just 24 hours before his unexpected death. Dan concludes with this paragraph which for me; sums the situation perfectly.

“He leaves a huge hole in football. He seemed to have everything in front of him - two boys he loved, physical fitness and, at just 42, a promising future as manager of Wales. But Gary Speed is gone and I miss him.”

Because of this, I spoke to Lee Clayton who is Head of Sport at the Daily Mail. Lee, who openly admits to have suffered depression for a short period of time, he spoke about the impacts of depression and also a particular story about Stan Collymore who has recently done wonders in raising awareness for people suffering depression within the United Kingdom. It was interesting speaking to Lee as it was obvious his opinion changed over time about Stan and I think that is now happening in society in terms of sympathy towards people that have suffered depression.

“I was covering the FA Cup match involving Aston Villa when news came through that Collymore was suffering from depression and would not be playing. My feelings were unsympathetic. How can a player earn so much money and suffer from depression?”

A few weeks ago I’d have shared those views. For me, footballers are driven by success but maybe the more modern footballer is driven by the money that coincides with playing the beautiful game. Later, Lee directed me into Stan’s autobiography written by Lee’s good friend Oliver Holt (Daily Mirror chief Sports Writer) which was described as “fascinating” as it “softened his views on Collymore.”

Collymore, whose courage I cannot praise enough, took to Twitter to describe his experience with depression in an emotional style. Lee, who like Stan had suffered depression and they both described depression as “feeling ill” but it is the impact of this illness which can be dangerous and for Stan, it was nearly suicidal.

For me, it is hard to describe something like Depression as I don’t know of anyone that has had it and Stan himself says:

"I want to elaborate on what depression is for me, as the illness has so many facets, and varies from bout to bout, that it can be hard to explain to a fellow sufferer, never mind someone fortunate enough to have never been afflicted!”

I can’t sit here and write about something that has never inflicted damage towards me or my family/friends. Because of this, I leave you with two quotes both from Collymore and Clayton that sums up what depression can do, I wouldn’t wish depression on by worst enemy and I certainly wouldn’t wish it on some like Stan Collymore who has suffered enough.

“One day I found myself hugging a lamp-post and crying in the rain in the middle of the night on a busy London road. I knew then I had to go and see a doctor.”

"So fit and healthy one day, mind, body and soul withering and dying the next. This to me is the most frightening of experiences.”

Depression can happen to anyone regardless of social class, wealth, gender, age, physical condition. Since Collymore has opened up to the condition and the tragic death of Gary Speed has led to ‘five top players coming forward asking for help from the Tony Adams Sporting Chance Clinic following the tragic death of Gary Speed.’

Now, because of these instances, I’d like to think if you to ask 100 people about ‘Social Issues in Football’ then Depression is an issue that would be on most people’s minds and this wouldn’t have happened without the fantastic efforts from people like Stan Collymore. Stan would have been a fantastic person to speak to simply because he has addressed and come through near enough every issue I’ll discuss in the article. Depression is a major issue but they’re many more.

For this article I’ve tried to get an array of journalists, managers, players etc from different backgrounds, genders and ages as I felt this would be the perfect way to see if these issues are widespread in the football community or these issues are within a small sector of a sport that is worldly renowned and is played on all four corners of the globe.

Racism

As stated prior in the introduction, Racism has recently become more prevalent in the modern game with several incidences occurring in the English game. Racism isn’t just happening between players, with the new trend in players joining up to social networking sites such as Twitter, there have been several cases of racism from fans to Premier League players such as Jay Bothroyd, Anton Ferdinand and also recently with Micah Richards which was branded “shocking” by Daily Mail’s Lee Clayton.

To see if this wasn’t just in our homeland, I spoke to Graham Hunter who is an English born Barcelona-based Journalist who has previously worked for the Guardian and is now often seen on Sky Sports News providing the latest football news from Spain. Being such a highly regarded journalist, it was fantastic to speak to the likes of Graham. I briefly spoke to Graham to see if he had any first-hand experience of Racism as the Spanish certainly have a reputation for racist acts (a friendly against England springs to mind a few years back when the likes of Ashley Cole were greeted with monkey chants. It isn’t just the Spanish either; England played Bulgaria recently where players such as Theo Walcott and Ashley Young had to receive monkey chants during the game. Deservedly, the Bulgarian FA were punished but only with a measly fine of £35,000.)

“I live and work in Spain and it's a major issue here. People think nothing of monkey chanting and it's a reflection of the wider Spanish society where active racism and racist language are both commonplace.”

Graham then went on to speak about an experience when he was at the El Clasico derby:

“Possibly the worst I experienced was at the Bernabéu when I was given a ticket which was from Zidane's guest list. (It had his name on it but it wasn't him who gave it me!) I'd imagined that I would be in a section full of well behaved, well educated, reliable people. Instead I was surrounded by families, individuals and groups who shouted racist abuse at Samuel Eto’o from the outset and made monkey noises at him and Ronaldinho. It was the 2005 Clasico which Barcelona won 3-0 in Madrid and Ronaldinho was applauded off by the same people who had been racially abusing him and Eto’o previously. Many of the racists were also in floods of tears around me by the end. I was thrilled.”

From that story alone it shows that it is a problem not just in England, actually I’d say it is a world-wide problem. Ironically, Eto’o and Ronaldinho have since upped sticks and left (even though Eto’o, who now plays for Russian club Anzhi, still gets racist abuse as that is again commonplace over there.) A big problem is how do you stop racism? I think this is more than just a football issue; this is a world-wide problem and like Graham said,

“Any racist remark which means to offend or denigrate or do damage is punishable and must be squeezed out of daily life.”

In this country, is racism a massive issue? Three words. My. Tram. Experience.

Social Networking

The recent trend in football players and sportsmen joining up to social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook has caused quite a stir in recent months. Breaking down the barriers between fan and player, twitter is a fantastic way to track and interact with your idols. With the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Joey Barton leading the charge on the Twitter front, it seems to be accepted now within the Football society to join up to these sites (just don’t mention that to Darren Gibson who didn’t have a pleasant experience on Twitter.)

Gabriele Marcotti, who needs no introduction, took some time to answer some questions around this topic. I contacted several journalists this week to see if they can enlighten me with their views on the issues discussed and believe me, they didn’t disappoint. One of the main queries I had was if Twitter was a positive or a negative.

Marcotti brought up the point that it “humanizes them a bit.” This is true. Even though some players go on twitter for financial gain (attracting people to their website etc) it also rejuvenates a potentially tarnished image. Wayne Rooney is a perfect example. Although he isn’t on Twitter 24/7, the way he tweets “a lot of mundane, non-football stuff” about his family has changed my perspective on him certainly. Did this new found respect enhance his performance? Yes, for a short time anyway.

Leon Mann from the BBC said “we are getting closer to knowing how players really feel.” A perfect example for that has to be Joey Barton. Joey, whose rebellious antics led him to a short stint in prison; is certainly one for not holding back. Always voicing his opinions, Joey has surprisingly gained some ‘respect’ from fans. I’m not Joey’s biggest fan and I don’t think I ever will but he certainly gives journalist a good story or two. What depresses me in a way is how some of his more tedious tweets are considered ‘news worthy.’

Linking this with racism, Leon brought up that “It's been particularly worrying that racially abusing players has become so common.” Alongside antics on the pitch, it has been “a depressing reflection on society” that such instances still occur. Micah Richards of Manchester City recently sent tweets to the police, Jay Bothroyd from QPR receives racist abuse on a daily basis, Anton Ferdinand, brother of Rio and also a member of the QPR squad received horrific racist abuse after the incident between Anton and John Terry. But, for me, Stan Collymore receives disgusting abuse. Here is a few ‘tweet’ from today to Stan:

“F*** off u black c***”

How lovely. On a social networking side of things, this can be solved. I’m sure Stan can send the names to either the police or twitter’s headquarters and get these people blocked. But is that enough? Racially abusing someone and the consequence is that I can’t use twitter.

Twitter has brought plenty of positives but a negative it has brought isn’t from the players themselves. A small minority (I must stress it is a small minority) just seem to be quite openly racist. Again, as discussed before, this can’t be solved in the short term. This can only be solved in the long term with the correct education structure but this is a discussion for another matter.

I did ask about if you’d like to see more players/managers join twitter but that is just a stupid question. It creates a story, it breaks down barriers, and it can perhaps create a newly found confidence from positive comments which could encourage a player to work harder? Also, of course more people will join these sites. It may not be called twitter by the time the next generation come a long but it is a cert that players and fans will come closer in some aspects but in terms of wealth, they’ll become further apart.

Media Intrusion

This moves on nicely to media intrusion. With the stereotype of the modern footballer to be described as “overpaid idiots” it is fair to say the media has played a small part in this. Recently, I must say my perception on Footballers has taken a battering. Supporting Manchester United certainly hasn’t been an easy ride this year.

Perceived as one of the good guys in the game, was anyone not surprised when the world found out about Ryan Giggs’ affair with Big Brother ‘star’ Imogen Thomas. Along with this, Wayne Rooney cheated on his pregnant wife with a hooker. Classy Wayne.

Now, in all seriousness, how am I meant to look up to this? I could go on for days about media stories on footballers. The England captain is an accused racist, a cheat on his wife with a friend’s partner and worst of all he plays for Chelsea. England’s equivalent to Pele has done the dirty deed with a hooker and even the new boy wonder in Jack Wilshere was arrested for assaulting a women. Brilliant, great job guys.

Now, I’m not here to discuss how the media can get these stories but they inform us paying customers the truths about our role models and for that, you can’t thank them enough. A question I set to all I managed to speak to was if the players have a right to privacy. Andy Halls from The Sun, like most questioned made this point.

“Privacy is a basic human right. However, there's an argument that when individuals court the press for their own personal gain - this right disappears somewhat. Some, like Wayne Rooney for example, use the media as a vehicle for their own needs. Others, do not.”

This was an occurring theme. From the information gathered, it seems to be done on a player by player basis but that’s expected. If you find out that Wayne Rooney has done something wrong then it is going to sell more papers; fact. If I was ever to become a journalist, my views would be paramount to Leon Mann’s.

“If it's the truth about work related matters - I care. If it's the truth about non-work related matters - I don't. This will always be my position as a sports journalist.”

Unlike the other problems discussed, media intrusion can be stopped but for the benefit of both parties, it can be reduced to an accepted level. It was quite hard to get the other side of the argument for this one as I couldn’t get in contact with any players. However, we’ve all seen images of what the intrusion can be like, ‘opportunist paps’ waiting outside your house regardless of the situation but isn’t that part of the job? The modern footballer has to deal with the media and it isn’t like they can’t just stay out of the way.

Look at Paul Scholes. Rated one of the greatest midfielders of all time and his playing career lasted several decades but in his entire career, how many times did he feature on the front page? Another argument is how the media can influence a player’s career; Leon Mann typifies this situation with an interesting thought:

“I’ve always looked at the comparison of Theo Walcott and Aaron Lennon. Both young players, similar in style. Theo embraces the media. Aaron doesn't. Many would say Theo is the better player - certainly it's the public perception. Has the media had much to do with that? Either way it's one worth thinking about...”

Because of this, I decided to look at this season’s stats:

Walcott: 14 appearances (2 as sub) 3 goals, 6 assists.
Lennon: 8 appearances, 2 goals, 3 assists.

Now, I’ll be honest, the stats surprised me. Is Walcott a better player? Yes, considering he is a few years younger as well but you have to feel that if Robin Van Persie played for Tottenham, the stats would look slightly different. Walcott is also more ‘press material.’ Young, full of potential, attractive girlfriend and not bad looking himself. He has the potential to be the face of English football and if performances improve, he still can be the face. Lennon on the other hand seems a normal lad. Both similar in play style, it has always intrigued me why Theo gets the nod for England. But stats don’t lie, the media has certainly played a part though.

 Salaries Within The Game.

The last issue I want to talk about is the amount of money some footballers are on and how that can impact the smaller football club. Recently, in a general studies presentation about anti-social behaviour in football a question was acquitted to me: “Why footballers on so much money and soldiers are on hardly anything.” Firstly, I don’t want to stereotype the girl in question but I can safely say she didn’t have a clue what she was on about.

Then again, it is a hard one to answer without being deemed offensive. At the time, I answered the question by giving very rough estimations on how much football clubs generate. I think I gave the question justice but I knew this was an issue, especially with non-football fans! Martin Lipton, Daily Mirror Chief Football Writer gave me his opinions on the matter.

“You can't compare apples with eggs. Footballers are paid according to market forces. There are very few with the talent and they receive commensurate salary levels. Compare them with actors or pop stars rather than soldiers/nurses. You might not think Frank Lampard is worth £170,000 per week but Chelsea did. And if they had not, somebody else would have paid it.”

Looking at the current influxation of foreign owners in the sport also, is it any surprise that some of these figures are splashed about? Personally, I don’t have a problem with it as it is obvious that some of these owners can afford to do so. Anyhow, I don’t like some players’ attitudes (Tevez ring any bells?) I asked Martin what he thought of the Tevez case, ill advised or just a horrible man?

“The reality is that Tevez never seems to be settled and is constantly looking for the next move as well, so perhaps he and Joorabchian deserve each other.”

As a Manchester United fan I’ll keep my views to myself as my English teacher will read this. I do think however the way he has been advised has certainly contributed to his downfall. Back on topic; look at pop stars/actors. The top award winning singers are certainly played a tremendous amount of money (maybe not as much since the downloading revolution) and actors are also well paid. Then look at the lower end of the spectrum. Are all pop stars earning millions? Are all actors earning millions? No, and that is coherent with footballers. Martin explains in better fashion:

“Compare them with actors or pop stars rather than soldiers/nurses. You might not think Frank Lampard is worth £170,000 per week but Chelsea did. And if they had not, somebody else would have paid it. Players are in a position where they can drive the process and they do so but that is because the money made from the broadcasters in particular has made the cash pot bigger than ever.”

With all this money floating around, will the finances ever stem out of control? Sadly, I think the rich will get richer and the poor will get poorer. Money is now everything. Look at City; you get the impression that they can match anyone’s wages and when they can get some major trophies in their trophy cabinet, apart from the obvious; who would turn them down?

Even with the new financial fair play (which I don’t think will fully resolve the issue) a team with City’s spending power and owner’s ambition will take them to new heights. Without money (and a bloody lot of it) they wouldn’t be in the position they are today. Money is essential in football but with the money the sport generates, the ‘entertainers’ are just on more money than the average Joe. Could it spiral out of control? Yes, but only if the world’s markets fall beforehand. Can people’s perceptions change on footballer’s salaries? No, probably not because these people normally don’t have an interest in the sport.

Conclusion

To round this up briefly, can any of these issues be solved? No, these issues are bigger than Football but this doesn’t mean football can’t play a part in helping to decline Racism etc. Here is a sentence on each issue to conclude as I’ve already surpassed my word limit. Sorry Mrs Walton.

Racism: A world-wide problem, bigger than football. Education needs to be put in place to stop it happening in the long run. No short term fix.

Depression: Now on many people’s radar, footballers etc can certainly get help. Awareness is increasing and more are going to get treatment. Very encouraging.

Media Intrusion: A sorry state of affairs that splits opinion. Get the story or not know the truth? Undecided.

Social Networking: Breaks barriers, many benefits but abuse gives a depression reflection on society.

Salaries: Not even a problem. A naive opinion shared by ‘non-sport watchers.’

Thanks for reading,

Brad.