Home » » Euro race fears drive Oxlade-Chamberlain's family away

Euro race fears drive Oxlade-Chamberlain's family away

Written By Koka Albert on Thursday, May 24, 2012 | 11:57 PM

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's family have joined Theo Walcott's relatives in staying at home during the European Championship for fear of being victims of racial abuse in Ukraine.
The news comes as the PFA announced plans to allow clubs to sack players if they are found guilty of racist behaviour.
Family fears: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (left) with manager Roy Hodgson at Thursday's England training session
Family fears: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (left) with manager Roy Hodgson at Thursday's England training session
Walcott's brother Ashley confirmed on Twitter last week that he and his father Don would not take the risk after public warnings from the Foreign Office. 

On Thursday Whitehall officials reiterated their concerns and Joleon Lescott, one of eight black players in the England squad, revealed that other families, like that of Oxlade-Chamberlain, are opting to stay away. 

The Foreign Office launched a free guide to fans for Euro 2012 on Thursday. Two of the recommendations in the 130-page guide are:
  • Travellers of Asian or Afro-Caribbean descent and individuals belonging to religious minorities should take extra care.
  • Although homosexuality is legal in Ukraine, public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK and public displays of affection may attract negative attention.
Lescott said his family had decided to stay at home before the warnings were issued, simply for logistical reasons.

'It was quite alarming to see the reports about the situation out there,' he said.
'But even before the reports, my family weren't going anyway. Maybe if I'm playing and we get to the final, my family will want to go.
'But it's a shame for some members of the squad that their families feel they can't go.'
Racism fears: The families Theo Walcott (left) and Joleon Lescott (right) are staying at homeRacism fears: The families Theo Walcott (left) and Joleon Lescott (right) are staying at home

Racism fears: The families of Walcott (left) and Lescott (right) will stay at home
The PFA are getting tough on domestic racism after a season marred by allegations against Luis Suarez and John Terry. 

Gordon Taylor, the union's chief executive, is pressing for a small but significant amendment to the standard player's contract clearing the way for clubs to dismiss players guilty of racism without fear of a legal response. 

Under the new regulations, the language used by Suarez towards Patrice Evra, which led to an eight-match ban, would be a sackable offence, as would that allegedly used by Terry in the direction Anton Ferdinand. 

Terry, who has been stripped of the England captaincy over the case which will be heard in court in July, denies the charge.
Learning lessons: Gordon Taylor vocal in calling for change
Learning lessons: Gordon Taylor vocal in calling for change
Taylor said: 'It's about learning from what's happened this year. It's not been a good year and it's still hanging around with the captaincy. 

'There has been strong feeling among all members, particularly young black players, that it's time to progress.

'This will raise the bar and make it a lot more focused. We don't want any ambiguity.'
Taylor's proposal will be raised in July and requires approval from the PFA, the FA, the Premier League and the Football League.
Share this article :

Post a Comment

KARIBU KATIKA WEBSITE YA KIJANJA, KUPATA HABARI MBALIMBALI ZA NDANI NA NJE YA NCHI. PIA UTAPATA MAMBO YA ACADEMIC. KARIBU SANA
 
Support : Creating Website | Johny Template | Mas Template
Copyright © 2011. GetInformedTz - All Rights Reserved
Template Created by Creating Website Published by Mas Template
Proudly powered by Blogger