Offenders who engage in online racism and abuse related to football might be barred from attending matches in England and Wales for up to ten years. Football Banning Orders, which may presently be imposed on those guilty of violence, disturbance, or racist or homophobic shouting, will be expanded to include online hate crimes, according to Home Secretary Priti Patel. During racist abuse directed at some of England’s Black players following the Euro 2020 final this summer, Prime Minister Theresa May promised to take decisive action against internet abusers.
The new legislation is scheduled to be introduced early in the New Year as an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing, and Courts Bill. “This summer, we witnessed the beautiful game tainted by appalling bigotry from internet trolls who attacked our players while hiding behind their keyboards,” added the Home Secretary. “Racism is unacceptably harmful, and football has been tainted by it for far too long.”
“Those who perpetrate heinous racial abuse online must be held accountable. They will be barred from attending football matches as a result of the amendments to the legislation that I am announcing.” In England and Wales, there are now 1,300 Football Banning Orders in place, prohibiting anyone from attending regulated football matches for a period of three to ten years. They are given as a result of a football-related conviction or a complaint from a local police force, British Transport Police, or the Crown Prosecution Service. These organizations may ask the court to issue an injunction against someone who has caused or contributed to football-related violence or disturbance in the UK or overseas at any time.
Breach of a Football Banning Order is a criminal offense that may result in a six-month jail term, an infinite fine, or both. In addition, a new Order might be issued.
“Racist abuse flooding players’ social media feeds at all hours of the day has a significant effect on everyone engaged in the game, and it needs to stop,” Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said. “We are combating this heinous behavior in all of its manifestations.” We are implementing ground-breaking new legislation to wipe out abuse online and ensure that tech businesses combat hatred on their platforms, in addition to banning racists from games.”
Hatred will not triumph
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Racism is reported by Kick It Out
Kick It Out is football’s equality and inclusion organization, striving to combat prejudice, promote inclusive practices, and advocate for positive change in the football, educational, and community sectors.
