Sport

McGrath speaks out on race

Former Republic of Ireland international Paul McGrath has called for more black players to be given opportunities in the higher…

Fri Dec 18 1998 - 00:00

Former Republic of Ireland international Paul McGrath has called for more black players to be given opportunities in the higher reaches of the game.

McGrath, who had a distinguished career with Manchester United and Aston Villa and was capped 83 times by the Republic, believes if racism in football is to be conquered then the presence of black players on the pitch needs to be mirrored off it.

"There's a hell of a lot of black players now, but there seems to be a cut-off point where they can't get into management or become directors," he said.

"There are so many black players in the game today, including those I have played with, who are well qualified to use their knowledge of the game in coaching.

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"If they could infiltrate the top jobs then it would be a lot easier to put across the point about racism creeping back into football. The game needs black people at the top level to provide a better insight and stamp out the problem.

"It just needs a strong-minded chairman to step forward and say: `Why not?' " "On the management and board side they shouldn't be afraid to stand out from the crowd."

Meanwhile, the opportunity for a new broom to sweep through the FA following the resignation of Graham Kelly as chief executive could open the door for black representation at the highest level.

At present, not a single member of the 91-man FA council is of colour, while at grassroots level - within county associations and local executive committees - it is believed only one person is black.

Kick It Out, the campaign to rid football of racism, believe black and Asian people throughout Britain would benefit considerably if there was a voice within the decision-making areas of the game to speak on their behalf.

National Campaign co-ordinator Piara Power said: "Given the high numbers of people from black and Asian communities who play football at grassroots, it would be a big encouragement if there were people of colour on these committees.

"Arguably, it could influence the way the game is governed in urban areas where there are high black populations."