On Tuesday Dr Duncan Stone joined a group of well-respected researchers in discussing race issues throughout the world of sport.
De Montford University hosted the latest in the Anti-Racism Series: Race and Sport.
Speaking at De Montford University’s Anti-Racism Series: Race and Sport, Stone highlighted a former British prime minister as the source of class imbalance in cricket.
The author of ‘Different Class – The Untold Story of English Cricket’ said: “Thatcherism sold off sporting facilities.
“Cricket now faces a demographic time bomb largely of its own making.
“65% of cricket players are white men, middle-classed based on their job description.”
Co-researcher Dr Paul Campbell also highlighted the constructions of race in the popular FIFA videogame, discussing racial stereotypes within the game.
The member of the British Sociological Association said: “For speed, overall black players rank higher than white players.
“We see that black players outperform white players in relation to physical stats. “Playing FIFA 20 is actually playing racist action.”
Professor Panikos Panayi of De Montford University discussed how the foundations of sport in major cities were formed by migration.
Using ex-footballer Liam Brady as a prime example, the professor of European History said: “Irish migration helped to build London in many ways.
“Unfortunately, the foreign footballer is now more like Eden Hazard than Liam Brady… they’re born into an elite background."
Fellow researcher Dr Daniel Kilvington claimed organisations Kick It Out and The FA are not doing enough to remove racism and discrimination from football.
The Leeds Beckett professor called out the institutions for their: “Lack of communication, guidelines and policies.
“157 players involved in Champions League and Europa League final received abuse on Twitter.
“The problem is getting worse than better” he added.
Full coverage of the event can be found on https://twitter.com/bhameastside Twitter account which followed proceedings as they happened.
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