Tuesday 29 March 2016

The Politics of Sport - Looking Beyond the Scoreboard


By Shane Thomas

If you haven't heard the news, English rugby union is back. After being ignominiously dumped out of a World Cup that they were hosting last autumn, they have since recovered to win their first Grand Slam for 13 years in the Six Nations, beating France a little over a week ago to establish themselves as Europe's premier rugby union nation again.

It remains to be seen whether England have progressed to a level where they can challenge a strong Australia team later this summer, but the history books have marked this period as one of restoration for the England side.

But in the midst of England finally being reacquainted with success, there's a chapter in that history book that is in danger of being forgotten as quickly as an election manifesto pledge - and taken with about as much seriousness.

In the penultimate game of the Six Nations, England beat Wales, in what was an implicit championship decider. But the occasion was despoiled, as it was revealed post-match that England prop, Joe Marler racially abused his Wales counterpart, Samson Lee. Lee is of gypsy heritage, and in an altercation in the first-half, Marler disparagingly called Lee, "gypsy boy". He also hit Welsh forward, Rob Evans with a forearm smash in the same match.

However, the competition's regulatory body, Six Nations Rugby, determined that no punitive measures would be taken against Marler, ensuring his availability for the aforementioned contest against France.

While England coach, Eddie Jones is said to have issued Marler with a scabrous verbal reprimand, and Marler himself apologised to Lee at half-time - which was accepted - the fact that such language can be uttered without any tangible punishment is as baffling as it is infuriating.

In the lead-up to the France game, Jones was questioned about the matter, and tried to shift blame onto the Welsh RFU for attempting to derail England's preparation. Jones was hired for his ability to turn England into winners, and it's clear that his desire to do so includes - as Rick Broadbent put it - "assuming the moral high ground in a row over one of his players making a racist comment and punching a Welshman."

However, this issue isn't closed, as the global governing body for the sport, World Rugby has intervened, decreeing that they will conduct their own investigation. Marler may still receive a lengthy ban at a hearing due to take place next Tuesday

Some have decried Marler's actions, as well as Six Nations Rugby for it's haphazard, feeble, and torpid handling of the affair[1], but clarity of condemnation has been lacking. The moment World Rugby opted to involve themselves to administer some sense of justice, RFU chief executive, Ian Ritchie denounced this, saying that Marler had no further case to answer. One wonders what his feeling would be if Maro Itoje - one of the star men of the Six Nations, and tipped to be a future England captain - was the one on the receiving end of racist sentiment?

No doubt he, and England fans, would be unanimously outraged. Because what was apparent was that for England - but let's not pretend that this doesn't occur in all sport - the priority is expediency. The core problem is that too many sports fans have no truck with anything beyond the final scoreboard. Concern for the basics of acceptable human behaviour is absent. The only aim should be getting away with whatever it is you can to get the win, because the W is sport's ultimate masking agent.

What makes this particularly piquant is that rugby union has long styled itself as a beacon of high sporting values. It's seldom to see the sport's benefits espoused without them being used as a cudgel to attack football with (a object lesson in British class prejudice), while others wanted to parse the harmfulness of the phrase "gypsy boy", and whether it even technically counts as racism - demonstrating huge national ignorance surrounding those of gypsy heritage.

It's a rum thing, given that the sport is so closely allied with British militarism, colonialism, and often leans politically to the right. You can understand why George Orwell allegedly wrote (although it's said this quote has been incorrectly attributed to him)"A bomb under the West car park at Twickenham on an international day would end fascism in England for a generation."


AND IN OTHER NEWS...


- Talking of what people want to get away with in sport, The NBA - among other sporting organisations - has an important decision to make. Next year's All-Star weekend is slated to take place in North Carolina, a state that has just passed overt anti-LGBT legislation.

Adam Silver can't control the decisions of North Carolina's state legislature, but he can control where (and with whom) the NBA associate themselves. So are they - as they claim - against discrimination of all kinds, or are they empty words for the benefit of their PR department?


- I won't write too much about the death of the legendary Johan Cruyff, bar this. Football remains the sport where I find the most joy and beauty. When thinking of his contributions as both a player and coach, has any individual given us more moments of footballing beauty than Cruyff? It's worth noting that whatever Manchester City achieve under the stewardship of Pep Guardiola, Cruyff will have had a hand in it.


[1] - Matt Dickinson's words on Marler, the RFU, and Six Nations Rugby were some of the most sapient that I read.

"The Greatest Events in Sporting History" is available at https://soundcloud.com/sportshistory and http://www.simplysyndicated.com/shows/sportinghistory/, e-mail us at sportshistoryshow@googlemail.com and you can follow us on Twitter @TGEISH

49 comments:

  1. This is really worthy and interesting, I mean these type of news are not that easy to get. You people can also take help from the  latest sport news to know about the ongoing sports news and keep yourself updated with interesting news.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello I am so delighted I located your blog, I really located you by mistake, while I was watching on google for something else, Anyways I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining website. Please do keep up the great work. https://tructiepbongda.vip/

    ReplyDelete
  3. There's lots of dissertation internet websites via the internet at the time you get unsurprisingly discussed as part of your page. Gods of Dharmapuri Web Series Review

    ReplyDelete
  4. I admire this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so involved in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thank you so much. truc tiep mu vs liverpool

    ReplyDelete
  5. A debt of gratitude is in order for the tips folks. They were all incredible. I have been having issues with being fat both rationally and physically. On account of you all I have been indicating enhancements. Do post more. 로투스바카라

    ReplyDelete
  6. I can set up my new idea from this post. It gives in depth information. Thanks for this valuable information for all,.. https://thevangtv.com/

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is a wonderful product, taking into account all the information about it, this type of product that prevents user interest in the site, and you will share more ... good luck.  넷마블주소

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next post. https://dabong.net/xem-truc-tiep-b...nhat-t38320.html

    ReplyDelete
  9. You have worked superbly. I will burrow it and by and by prescribe to my companions. I am sure they will be profited by this site 해외스포츠중계

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great info! I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have  윈윈 먹튀

    ReplyDelete
  11. It is a good site post without fail. Not too many people would actually, the way you just did. I am impressed that there is so much information about this subject that has been uncovered and you’ve defeated yourself this time, with so much quality. Good Works! https://canaismax.com/

    ReplyDelete
  12. I have a similar interest this is my page read everything carefully and let me know what you think. news update

    ReplyDelete
  13. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work... 스포츠사이트

    ReplyDelete
  14. Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find so many useful info here in the post, we need work out more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. top 10 badminton rackets for intermediate players

    ReplyDelete
  15. Nice to read your article! I am looking forward to sharing your adventures and experiences. 안전사이트

    ReplyDelete
  16. Friend, this web site might be fabolous, i just like it. 토토프로

    ReplyDelete
  17. Great post, and great website. Thanks for the information! gclub

    ReplyDelete
  18. Took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It’s always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! best badminton shuttlecock

    ReplyDelete
  19. If you are looking for more information about flat rate locksmith Las Vegas check that right away. 검증사이트

    ReplyDelete
  20. With the advent of text messaging, emails, chatting software, Facebook, Twitter and various new ways to communicate every day, why send birthday cards made of paper? I love greeting cards and always send these on every special occasion. In my view, paper greetings have their own charm and nothing can replace them. love shayari images

    ReplyDelete
  21. Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. redditsoccerstreams

    ReplyDelete
  22. I have to search sites with relevant information on given topic and provide them to teacher our opinion and the article. Soccer Streams | Today Matches | Reddit Soccer Streams

    ReplyDelete
  23. Wow, cool post. I'd like to write like this too - taking time and real hard work to make a great article... but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. redditsoccerstreams.cc

    ReplyDelete
  24. I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often. sports pitch replacement

    ReplyDelete
  25. If you are looking for more information about flat rate locksmith Las Vegas check that right away. mlb schedule on tv & reddit mlb streams

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks for a wonderful share. Your article has proved your hard work and experience you have got in this field. Brilliant .i love it reading. linkw88moinhat

    ReplyDelete
  27. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon! sportbel.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. A very excellent blog post. I am thankful for your blog post. I have found a lot of approaches after visiting your post. crackstreams.news

    ReplyDelete
  29. For all entrepreneurs out there! This bargain is a sure hit for starting businesses! I recommend taking this course in order to be 1 step closer to a successful business by having a great brand name. click here

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thank you for helping people get the information they need. Great stuff as usual. Keep up the great work!!! 메이저놀이터

    ReplyDelete
  31. I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post. best badminton racket for beginners

    ReplyDelete
  32. We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. I was exactly searching for. Thanks for such post and please keep it up. Great work. 토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  33. New web site is looking good. Thanks for the great effort. 스포츠티비

    ReplyDelete
  34. Wonderful blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Appreciate it. คาสิโนออนไลน์

    ReplyDelete
  35. You understand your projects stand out of the crowd. There is something unique about them. It seems to me all of them are brilliant. gclub

    ReplyDelete
  36. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I will definitely return.
    car removal Brisbane
    cash for cars caboolture
    cash for cars ipswich

    ReplyDelete
  38. Cool one! Interesting informations over this web. It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be much more useful than ever before.| I could not resist commenting. I ‘ve spent some hours looking for such tips. I’ll also share it with a couple of friends interested in it.
    cash for cars caboolture
    cash for scrap cars caboolture

    ReplyDelete
  39. Wonderful blog! Cool one! Interesting informations I would like to thank you for the efforts you've put in writing this website. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Appreciate it.วิธีเล่นบาคาร่า

    ReplyDelete
  40. You made such an interesting piece to read, giving every subject enlightenment for us to gain knowledge. Thanks for sharing the such information with us to read this... 스포츠분석

    ReplyDelete
  41. I’m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both educative and engaging, and without a doubt, you've hit the nail on the head. The issue is an issue that too few folks are speaking intelligently about. Now i'm very happy I came across this during my hunt for something regarding this.
    car spare parts
    online auto parts

    ReplyDelete
  42. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. 토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  43. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  44. You make so many great points here that I read your article a couple of times. Your views are in accordance with my own for the most part. This is great content for your readers. 메이저사이트

    ReplyDelete
  45. I got what you mean , thanks for posting .Woh I am happy to find this website through google. 해외스포츠중계

    ReplyDelete
  46. Good artcile, but it would be better if in future you can share more about this subject. Keep posting. 해외스포츠중계

    ReplyDelete
  47. I read a article under the same title some time ago, but this articles quality is much, much better. How you do this.. كورة لايف

    ReplyDelete
  48. A readymade longboard will save your both money and time. directory

    ReplyDelete