No Place for Hate: Supporting Inclusion at Stockport County
The Stockport County Supporters Co-operative is committed to the values of equality, diversity and inclusion in our organisation and among our members. Given the unique relationship we have with the club and within the football community, we have a responsibility to set and apply the standards and values expected within the game.
Football as a whole has made great strides in this direction over the years and it was good to see the EFL x PUMA Rainbow Ball in use in every EFL match between 20th February and 1st March, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and reminding players and fans alike that we’re all united in our love for football.
For all that progress, however, there are always signs that there are still battles to be won. Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland winger Romaine Mundle both received racially abusive messages on social media recently, just days after Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri and Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana were on the receiving end via Instagram after their sides drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge. Meta, the company that owns most of the platforms that carry the abuse, claims to be working to protect users and to be co-operating with Police investigations, but progress is glacially slow.
Abuse in person is being called out at grounds at least; the recent Tyne-Wear derby was stopped for three minutes in line with the Premier League’s on-field anti-discrimination protocol. The incident came in the fifty-second minute when a Newcastle player was receiving treatment and Sunderland’s captain, Granit Xhaka, reported comments aimed towards one of his players, Lutsharel Geertruida, by someone in the crowd. Both clubs have condemned the comments and Newcastle have pledged to work with the authorities to investigate fully and ensure any individuals are identified and held accountable.
Stoppages in play to allow Muslim players to break their fast during Ramadan have also been the target of intolerant supporters. This was particularly noticeable in a game at Elland Road between Leeds United and Manchester City recently. Boos and jeers rang out around the ground despite an explanation for the delay being shown on the scoreboard.
Such displays of abuse and intolerance are rare at Edgeley Park, but if anyone wants to raise issues in real time, we would encourage them to do so. They can either talk to a steward or contact the Supporter Liaison team by texting 60777, starting the message with “SCFC.” The SLO team can also be contacted by email at slo@stockportcounty.com.