Tribalism is defined in the dictionary as follows; "A strong feeling of identity with and loyalty to one's tribe or group". That definition in itself perfectly describes what it is like to support a football club. Through the good times and the bad, the passion runs deep and sometimes gets in the way of sound judgment.
Battle lines are drawn with a stick in the sand. You are either on one side or the other. Red or blue, black or white; There is no room for a difference of opinion when you are part of something that is bigger than you are. That is where the problem lies, having a blind allegiance to a group just because you wear the same colours and cheer for the same team.
Only two people will ever know the truth about the events that transpired at Anfield in October, and they are Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra. The facts have yet to be released as to exactly what was said between the two on the pitch that day and who was around to hear it, the case depends on one man’s word against another and a whole lot of hearsay in-between. Without any actual proof people have taken a hard line stance based on what side of the sand their tribe stands, forgetting about the real issue at hand.
Discrimination has no place in society, let alone sports, and ignorance is no excuse. Do I think Suarez is a racist – absolutely not. Evra was quoted as saying the same thing, but I do think that once you are made aware about your transgressions you should step up and accept your offense, even if your actions were innocuous. Now that Suarez has been made aware his mistake, it is up to him to learn the cultural differences and connotations associated with those words. Unfortunately this is a normal occurrence in our society, some place more than others, but as public figures you have the opportunity to set an example and make a change.
I am disgusted with some of the hateful remarks that have been floating around social media sites these past couple of days –It is appalling to say the least. Evra has now been branded a villain by many for speaking up about an incident he deemed offensive, with his credibility and manhood coming into question. In response to the suspension handed down by the Football Association, some have decided to take it upon themselves to racially abuse the Manchester United right-back on Twitter.
Hate begets hate, so I cannot understand the logic of these ignorant people who were outraged by the Suarez ban and in turn have no problem doing to Evra what the Uruguayan has been accused of, however trying to find any morality amongst this herd is illogical and a waste of time. The Liverpool striker may not have implied his words in a derogatory context, but the tribe of thugs online meant every lewd comment.
It is difficult to make a proper judgment on the issue without having all the evidence, but an independent commission decided there was enough evidence to convict Suarez of racial abuse. Liverpool was shocked by the ban and the hefty fine awarded down, but has stuck by their teammate’s version of events since day one, from the board all the way down to the supporters. The player’s recent display of unity with Suarez was condemned, but I would like to hope they know the type of man Suarez is better than the people trying to crucify him, but a fair and unbiased assessment cannot be made until all the documentation from the hearing is made public.
It is one thing to be loyal, but without the facts you should not let that blind common human decency. The accusation is serious but the matter in which it is handled is of far greater importance. The FA should not just throw the book at Suarez just to make an example. What about John Terry? The England captain has been charged with the same offense but the same type of punishment has not been handed down, instead he is being prosecuted in court for racial comments made to Anton Ferdinand during a match. Even Evra has been alleged to have made a malicious remark towards Suarez during their altercation. Where does it end?
Surely having the head of FIFA making controversial remarks on a wide variety of discriminatory topics through the years without any repercussions sends the wrong message. But Sepp Blatter is not the one who is under the microscope of a disciplinary board, instead the focus is shifted on to the players.
This is not only a football problem, it is a moral one, and after all it is just a game. You should not make decisions based on a collective because you wear the same scarf around your neck, fearful of your clubs decline without the services of their superstar. Whether it was a matter of semantics, that is for the disciplinary board to decide and the punishment should warrant the offence, arguing against that fact is ridiculous.
I have been a Liverpool supporter all my life through the best and worst of times, but this loyalty does not cloud my better judgment and moral code. When the evidence finally does surface and we are able to fill in the gaps to make a proper assessment on the matter, only then can you choose a side. If Suarez is guilty, the punishment should not be what upsets you most. But if Evra is caught over-embellishing the truth, what should his punishment be?
It is difficult to rule on what every individual deems offensive, although commenting on a person’s race, gender or sexual preferences should be dealt with severe consequences, prejudice on any level for something you cannot control should not be tolerated. Only then will justice be served.
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