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Racism in Sport

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Jenny Randerson, Minister for Culture, Sport & the Welsh Language
  • Following John Griffiths’ point of order in Plenary on 7 March 2002, I agreed to make a statement about the alleged racist incident in the recent Principality Cup match between Bonymaen RFC and Newport RFC.
  • Lets be clear from the outset - racism cannot be tolerated in any form, in any sport or at any level of sport.  
  • Any incidents of racism in sport should be treated seriously with firm action taken against those who take part in racial abuse.
  • The Welsh Assembly Government’s policy on Sport in Wales is implemented by the Sports Council for Wales.
  • The Sports Council for Wales’ aims are to increase participation in sport, to raise standards, to improve facilities and to provide technical advice and general understanding about sport and recreation.
  • The Sports Council’s aims are pursued in close co-operation principally with the national governing bodies of sport.
  • The terms and conditions of any grant funding the Sports Council for Wales provides requires the positive promotion of equal opportunities.  
  • The Sports Council can withdraw grant funding if the terms and conditions of grant are not fulfilled.
  • As for the specific case in question.  It has been alleged that a player from the National League Division One side, Bonymaen RFC, racially abused an opponent from the premier division side, Newport RFC, during a principality cup match on 23 February 2002.  
  • I have been informed by the Welsh Rugby Union that contrary to media reports Newport RFC have not yet  formally complained to the Union about the alleged incident.  
  • Should the Union receive such a complaint, they will investigate and will take appropriate action on the basis of their findings.  The complaint would be dealt with by an Investigation Panel and the Union has the power to impose penalties by way of reprimand, fine, suspension or expulsion.  It is my information that, as yet, the Police are not involved in this matter.
  • The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to ensuring that sport in Wales is accessible to everyone, regardless of race, creed or ethnic origin.  
  • We have some great role models in Wales as the portrait of Colin Jackson in the Assembly Milling Area testifies. Our aim must be to encourage more people from the ethnic minorities to become involved in sport and use it to promote racial equality.
  • Sport in all its forms is enjoyed by millions across Wales and beyond and is an effective way of uniting people irrespective of their race, sex, disability or origin. 
  •  It is the responsibility of governing bodies of sport, clubs, organisations, individuals and the Welsh Assembly Government to stamp out racism from all aspects and all levels of sport in Wales.  We must actively challenge and eradicate it.
  • Because of its profile and position in Welsh life, rugby can be a major force for good in society. Young people watch closely what our rugby players do and listen carefully to what they have to say. Rugby is a powerful vehicle to take a message of tolerance and respect to a young audience.
  • Football is attempting to set a positive example to the rest of society by taking firm action to tackle racism and using its potential to educate and create a better society.  
  • Other sports, including rugby, can learn a lot from the work being done in football to eradicate racism within the game.
  • In the light of this recent incident I will be asking my officials to consider with the Sports Council for Wales and the Commission for Racial Equality the scope for better utilising sport to promote racial equality.  

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