Racism in Sport

Lord Triesman Excerpts

Tuesday 13th July 2021 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Barran (Con)]

I do not accept what the noble Baroness says. I have quoted twice now what the Prime Minister has said, which has been crystal clear on this subject. The Home Secretary has also been clear that there is no place for racism in this country, and she knows very well from her own experience.

[Lord Triesman (Lab) [V]]

My Lords, I declare an interest as a former chairman of the Football Association. I am delighted to hear what is going to be done about social media; it is going to have to be enforced. I share the view of the noble Lord, Lord Dobbs, that the people displaying their hooliganism and racism are scum; they have nothing to do with England or its football team.

As chairman of the FA I sought legislation that would enable us to ban for life—one strike and they are out—anybody convicted of any of these crimes from every football ground in the United Kingdom: no excuses, no second chances. Would the Government support that?

[Baroness Barran (Con)]

The Government are well aware that football banning orders can have a great effect on those implicated. This is one thing we are looking at.