A WEST Midlands Police officer has become the first dedicated hate crime officer in the UK to tackle racists in football.
PC Stuart Ward will be based in a football unit and will be at the forefront of work to stamp out abuse against players and fans.
Last season there were 287 reported hate crime incidents connected to matches in England and Wales.
Kick It Out also revealed there were was a 42 per cent rise in reports of discrimination last season.
In his role PC Ward will be at the forefront of the fight to stamp out rising abuse against footballers and fans – which has become increasingly prevalent online.
PC Ward was the victim of racism as a young footballer himself so understands the emotional impact of abuse.
He said: “I’m mixed race and growing up I was racially abused. I remember being 11-years-old and playing football for a junior side.
“It came from another player and the thing that stuck with me was how no-one did anything about it, other than my mum who stopped the game and took me off the pitch.
“There were parents, match officials, the other players – who were old enough to know right from wrong – who didn’t challenge the comments or support me.
“So having sadly been subjected to discrimination I know the feelings and the impact it can have on you.
“I feel I’m in a position where I can offer help and support, while looking to take action against those involved.”
The role will include investigating complaints of hate crime linked to football, monitoring online interactions and working with the region’s clubs.
This includes both professional and amateur level to highlight what is an offence and the importance of reporting it.
He will also be going into schools to educate children around discrimination – continuing the on side youth and yellow card intervention and prevention programmes – and link in with other bodies such as Kick It Out.
Stuart will furthermore work alongside other members of our football unit to monitor any offences when stadiums re-open following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hate crime can cover a range of offences including abuse connected to race, sexual orientation, disability, religion or gender.
Stuart said: “We need to change this culture, we’re a multi-cultural society and it’s important we educate people around hate crime to stop it happening.
“Clearly, we’ll look to take enforcement action too and won’t hesitate to take people to court where appropriate.
“I’ve spent 12 years as a response officer – along with some time as a football spotter – and I’m proud to have been given the role as dedicated football hate crime officer.
“I enjoy the game and want everyone else, whatever their background, to feel comfortable in doing so too.”
Anyone who has been a victim of a football-related hate crime, or has information about an offence, needs to make a formal report by calling 101 or via the Live Chat service on the police website.
