I'm slightly confused by all this. I went to football in the early 80s, and in my opinion there have been huge strides made in the fight against racism. I think the kick it out campaign has been largely successful myself, especially when you compare it to many other European countries.
I don't know why the Ferdinands are so upset. Terry was charged in a criminal court of law, and then charged by the FA under civil rules after that. He is mostly despised and thought of as a racist even though he can point to the fact he was found not guilty in court.
I'm not sure what else the Ferdinands think should have been done in this situation?
There have been huge strides. How much of it is down to KIO? Very little imho. A lot more is down to clubs changing their policies and their crowd demographics. Rio Ferdinand has always been one of the most proactive anti-racism players in the league. Long prior to what happened to Anton. KIO are mostly reactive.
I would imagine when your little brother is racially abused and then one of the chair persons of one of the larger anti-racism organisations comes out and says John Terry isn't racist (the same man who called an Asian fan a coconut earlier this year - look it up if you don't understand the reference) you may be losing a little bit of faith in the organisations you're told you must support.
When the FA need someone to condone them FARE/KIO are there. When a player/club needs condemning they speak out. Unfortunately the week in week out incidents are rarely reported the same way.
I am not convinced Rio wasn't selected this summer for the issues with Terry, but a lot of people think it's exactly why he wasn't picked. Where were KIO then? Would they dare go up against their chief bankrollers?
The organisation is something that is a lovely idea. Unfortunately, they don't do a lot.
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