Royal Lady I'm not sure what Roberts expects "Kick Racism out of Football" to do other than raise awareness and promote the fact it's so wrong. It's not like they can tell the FA or UEFA or anyone what punishments to dish out. Has he actually said what he thinks they should be doing, that they're not already?
Quite simply, if Kick It Out dissociates itself, or threatens to dissociate itself, from its ties with the FA because of the way the FA handles racism cases, the FA will have to up its game on the matter, because it cannot afford to be labeled an organisation that is soft on racism. I have listened carefully to what Roberts is saying, and I think this is the crux of it. He has said clearly that he'd like to see cases dealt with more quickly and with harsher punishments. On Terry, he said:
“The four-match ban was, for me, not a heavy enough sanction for what happened. I’m not happy. Certainly they should have given him a longer ban. The sanction is nowhere near harsh enough.” (via the Independent)
Of course, the FA doesn't mean to appear soft on racism, but they will have more effect on stamping it out if they give stronger punishments and make consistent rulings. Roberts is hoping his present stance--which has certainly made everyone think--might ignite that debate.
"It seems like the authorities don't have the stomach to take this on, and if the players don't take it on then nobody will." (via Sky News)
The players can certainly do more than raise awareness, if they use their muscle. Neither the FA nor UEFA could shrug off a rebellion by players over their handling of racism. If such authorities are smart, they will realise that should Roberts's view spread they will quickly be in serious trouble. And they will hand out stricter punishments than the few thousand quid Lazio were fined this week for the racist chanting of their fans.
