(CB): My
Lords, does the Minister agree that the tackling of racial abuse in
the Premiership and the persistent racial disparities within the
Premier League is moving painfully slowly? One third of Premiership
footballers are non-white—in old money, black—yet we have only one
black manager, Nuno Espírito Santo of Wolverhampton Wanderers. I am
not sure if there are any Wolverhampton fans here. If so, sorry
about last night. I am not sure if there are any assistant coaches,
chief executives or board members of colour. Can the Minister
pledge to convene a meeting with the necessary actors, including
the police, to encourage, and where possible demand, a
comprehensive programme to tackle the scourge of racism and close
the racial disparities? The beautiful game must confront and deal
with this ugly racism.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for
Digital, Culture, Media and Sport () (Con): I
thank the noble Lord for his question. He raises important points
about diversity across all levels and all roles within the game.
For the benefit of Chelsea fans, yesterday I met Paul Elliott,
who I gather was a former captain of Chelsea, who now chairs the
Inclusion Advisory Board for the FA. He felt more confident about
the progress that is being made, particularly in relation to
coaches. I thank the noble Baroness, Lady Bull, who is not in her
place, for sending me research on the importance of this point.
Sport England is investing £2 million a year into the FA to
support its work in ensuring that the coaching workforce is more
diverse. The board of the FA contains four women and two people
of colour, so it is trying to lead from the front.
