Players Views

Jason Euell

England

Why did you get involved with SRTRC?
Everyone knows that there is racism, not just in football, but in the community and the world in general. I think it has been around for a long time, and I think, especially with the occupation that I do, being involved with SRTRC is something that is going to try and help to get rid of racism.

What type of racism have you personally experienced?
I haven't really experienced a lot since I turned professional. When we were younger, growing up playing Sunday football, I think it was mostly parents wanting their boys to win, saying certain things. When you're a kid, you don't really understand it that much. Sometimes you do get home and talk to your parents or your friends and you realise that what those people are doing is not right. You learn from that, to be bigger than that.

Do you think there is still a lot of racism in Sunday league football?
Yes - I don't think that will change. Sometimes parents take an extra step to make their boys win games or get their boys geared up. And they are the ones that are making themselves look stupid in front of everyone else there. I think it is something they've got to look at, because the game is changing. You've got to start looking at yourself and not do that anymore.

Do you think it is easier for you to walk around an area with a bad reputation for racism because you are a footballer?
No, I don't think that matters. I think if there are people out there who have got a problem with the colour of someone's skin, no matter what you do they'll go out of their way to incite something or start something.

Do you think sport brings people from different races together?
Yes, it does. Sport is something for enjoyment and it's another way of breaking down barriers and getting to meet people that you probably wouldn't get to meet in other areas of life.

What advice would you give to young Asians trying to break into football?
I had a lot of Asian friends at school and it's not so much to do with them, but with things that their parents want them to do. Not just with Asians, but with black people and white people too, some people do want their kids to achieve more outside of sport, not just football. I think it is a decision that sometimes parents are having to deal with now -- thinking OK, if the kid wants to get into a certain sport then allow them to do that. I think that's probably where the breakthrough is coming more.

Do you think that once some young Asian players start to break through into first team football, that that will open the way for more Asian players?
Yes, I definitely think there would be more players breaking through then. Harpal Singh at Leeds is close to opening the doors and making parents think, "Well, if he's done well, hopefully my son or daughter could do well" in any sort of sport. That would hopefully lead to the first of many.

What advice would you give to young people experiencing racism?
It's hard to block it out, but if it's something that is occurring, you mustn't be scared of telling someone about what's happening. Get that bit of courage to go and tell someone you are experiencing it.

The British National Party have recently decided to target schools. What advice would you give to young people whose schools are being targeted?
You've got to think they're not going to do anything for me, stay away from them and don't be part of it. Don't get sucked into their lies.