CNN
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A former executive at a football club in England and Wales has been accused by anti-racism groups of stereotyping black players using “harsh language”.
Stuart Webber, who stepped down as Norwich City's sporting director last year, said in an interview with The Pink that he had previously worked with Jonny Rowe, Abu Kamara, Max Aarons, Jamal Lewis and Raheem Sterling. He made a comment referring to the five black players he has worked with. Un, Norwich local newspaper.
Weber's comments were made during an interview about his four-week expedition to climb Mount Everest for charity.
“We want to help those who really need help, not those who are perhaps more privileged,” he said, adding: [the players] Because he needed to do well in football because the alternative could be prison or something else. ”
The comments were widely condemned, with sports anti-discrimination group Kick It Out calling the comments on X (formerly Twitter) “racial profiling” and “highly offensive and worrying”. Stated.
“To read such insensitive language used by someone who until recently was a senior executive at the very top of British society paints a very damning picture,” Kick It Out said. Ta.
“Relying on lazy stereotypes is clearly upsetting to those targeted, but it also shows a complete lack of respect for the families who played a huge role in the journeys these players have taken. It shows that.”
CNN has reached out to Webber for comment.
Weber and his wife Zoe are co-founders of the Summit Foundation, which works with other charities to create programs to support young people. According to the foundation's website, one of its aims is to break the cycle of poverty through education.
“We have to give the young people of this region something to strive for, give them inspiration and, if possible, financial support as well,” he told Pinkuan. “We will continue our philanthropy even after Everest.”
In a statement on X, Kamara, a striker who plays for League One side Portsmouth on loan from Norwich City, said he and his family were “deeply saddened and shocked” by Webber's comments.
He added: “I want to say to all black and ethnic minority kids: You don't have to become a professional athlete to avoid a life of crime. And don't leave your young viewers with this false narrative. That's important,” he added.
“I am proud of where I come from and recognize the sacrifices my family has made for me to have a career in football.'' It shows there is a way to go.”
Aarons' mother, Amber, also wrote in an article about Stated.
Norwich said in a statement on Monday that Mr Webber's comments “in no way reflect the wider views of the football club” and added: “Following the publication of the interview, club representatives have confirmed that Abu Kamara and Jonathan Rowe We have been focusing on talking directly with him,” he added. Understand their concerns and offer support.
“The club is also in dialogue with Kick It Out and is in the process of contacting other named players.
“Norwich City is home for everyone. We remain committed to our equality, diversity and inclusion efforts to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. ”
Prior to joining Norwich City, where his wife Zoe is executive director, Webber held roles at Huddersfield Town, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Queens Park Rangers, Liverpool and Wrexham.
