Contributions
834 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Racism in FootballThe hon. Gentleman represents the fine city of Plymouth, and I may surprise him by saying that I am going to out myself today as well—as having been probably the only Member of…15 Oct 2019HANSARD Racism in FootballI do, and it is essential that we learn from examples of good practice. It is encouraging to hear of those examples at Stoke City, and I would be more than happy to come to Stoke…15 Oct 2019HANSARD Racism in FootballThe hon. Lady is absolutely correct. It was not just the players who were the victims of the abuse last night; it also affected the FA’s support staff, and cameramen who were of…15 Oct 2019HANSARD Racism in FootballMy hon. Friend is right. A UEFA investigation is under way, and it is absolutely right that that should form part of that investigation. I understand that a number of the…15 Oct 2019HANSARD Racism in FootballLike all Members of this House and the country, I was appalled by the disgusting racist abuse encountered by the England football team and its support staff in Bulgaria last…15 Oct 2019HANSARD Racism in FootballI echo every single word that the hon. Lady has just uttered. I know that she is incredibly passionate about football, and other sports as well. I sense that this is a bit of a…15 Oct 2019HANSARD Racism in FootballI start by thanking my hon. Friend for all the brilliant work she did in this Department and with this brief over many years. I know she is still very active in this sector. She…15 Oct 2019HANSARD Racism in FootballThe hon. Gentleman is correct: the severity of the penalty must match the offence. Clearly, this is a matter for UEFA, but that is why I have written to their president today. We…15 Oct 2019HANSARD Racism in FootballI totally agree that any form of abuse is unacceptable. We have seen footballers like Paul Pogba, Troy Deeney and Tammy Abraham receive such abuse online through social media. We…15 Oct 2019HANSARD Racism in FootballI know the hon. Lady is a passionate Newcastle United supporter and has written to me on the issue of football governance, and I have replied. We are taking a close interest in…15 Oct 2019HANSARD Racism in FootballThe hon. Gentleman is spot on. We are making that clear and, as I said, I am writing to the president of UEFA today to say that enough is enough. We have seen too many examples of…15 Oct 2019HANSARD Racism in FootballThe former Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is absolutely right about there being complete support. There was an opportunity for the players to walk off…15 Oct 2019HANSARD Racism in FootballThe hon. Lady is, again, right. We share a passion for Liverpool football club. I fear that I have opened myself up to some online abuse by admitting that. Commending the words…15 Oct 2019HANSARD Racism in FootballMy hon. Friend is absolutely right: enough is enough. I am sure my letter will be published shortly and he will be able to see its contents. I am happy to meet UEFA and FIFA any…15 Oct 2019HANSARD Racism in FootballAbsolutely. We should be intolerant right across society of any form of abuse. I did not want to pick out players, but I will pick out Tyrone Mings, who made his debut last night.…15 Oct 2019HANSARD Racism in FootballMy hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise that. I have to say that the sanctions are a matter for UEFA, but I am sure it will be watching this closely and will know from this…15 Oct 2019HANSARD Racism in FootballMy hon. Friend is absolutely right: there is no excuse for what happened last night. What makes it even worse is the fact that this has happened previously. As I said, this is a…15 Oct 2019HANSARD Racism in FootballThe hon. Gentleman, whom I know to be a passionate Newcastle United supporter, because I recall a sign above his office door—it was welcoming to other clubs, too. [Laughter.] He…15 Oct 2019HANSARD Racism in FootballI am absolutely more than happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss what sounds like an innovative approach. I promise that at that meeting I will not remind him of who sits…15 Oct 2019HANSARD Racism in FootballMy hon. Friend is spot on. I remind the House that racist and homophobic chanting at football matches is a criminal offence. It is quite simple. Action can be taken, and we have…15 Oct 2019