Football and racism have been making headlines lately, and thanks to social media, players are beginning to speak up against racism. Is football just another workplace where modern racism is prevalent? How can we make sure that this discussion doesn’t end up as meaningless hashtags and campaigns, but translate into action? Vivienne Aiyela, Tajean Hutton and John Barnes all join me for this passionate and fascinating discussion.

“Pivotal parts of history have never been addressed, never been answered. People are expected to just move on with it.” – Tajean Hutton

Vivienne Aiyela is a diversity & inclusion consultant and Non Executive Director at the London Football Association. Tajean Hutton is the grassroots manager at the anti-discrimination campaign and charity Kick it Out, and the president of the local grassroots club AFC London. John Barnes MBE, a Former England international, joined me for the second part of the podcast.

We cover a wide range of topics, including:

• How much sport mirrors society
• Is there is undue public pressure on this particular sport?
• The lack of visibility in women’s sport
• How should sportspeople respond to racism?
• Is the lack of BAME representation at management level a clear evidence of modern racism in football?
• Would it be fair to say that racism in sport is more readily noticed than racism in business?
• The ‘black sporting role model’ and how it can be problematic
• How talent can get separated from the person

“If you speak up you’re considered to be a troublemaker. “ – Vivienne Aiyela

And much more. Please enjoy, and be sure to grab a copy of Racism at Work: The Danger of Indifference and connect with Professor Binna Kandola OBE on LinkedIn to join the conversation or share your thoughts.

Mentioned in the show

• Grassroots football [1:15]
• ACAS disciplinary investigation [1:35]
• Non-executive director [1:55]
• Paul Canoville: Chelsea pioneer on racism, rehab and redemption [3:07]
• John Barnes [3:09]
• Raheem Sterling, Danny Rose [4:55]
• Women’s football ban [11:50]
• FIFA Conference for Equality and Inclusion [12:20]
• Discrimination reports continue to rise in English football, Kick it Out [13:30]
• The glass ceiling in European football report [19:35]
• Chris Hughton’s Brighton sacking, Darren Moore’s West Brom sacking [23:10]
• ‘Rooney rule’ introduced to ‘address under-representation’ of BAME managers [30:52]