Sol Campbell uses the race card

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Sun-2-Mar-2014 15:10:54 · 5,104 comments
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Sol Campbell makes England captaincy race allegation

Sol Campbell has claimed he would have been "England captain for more than 10 years" had he been white.

The former England defender makes the claims in an authorised biography serialised by the Sunday Times.

"I believe if I was white, I would have been England captain for more than 10 years - it's as simple as that," said the 39-year-old, who won 73 full caps, including three as captain.

The Football Association is aware of the claims but declined to comment.

Campbell, who made 646 senior appearances for Tottenham, Arsenal, Portsmouth, Notts County and Newcastle United before retiring in 2012, claimed: "I think the FA wished I was white. I had the credibility, performance-wise, to be captain.

"I was consistently in the heart of the defence and I was a club captain early in my career."
He added: "I don't think it will change because they don't want it to and probably the majority of fans don't want it either.

"It's alright to have black captains and mixed race in the Under-18s and Under-21s but not for the full national side - there is a ceiling and although no-one has ever said it, I believe it's made of glass."

Campbell's three games as England captain were in three friendlies - against Belgium and the Czech Republic in 1998 under Glenn Hoddle's management, and against the United States in 2005 when Sven-Goran Eriksson was in charge.

The England captains during the centre-back's international career were David Platt, Tony Adams, Alan Shearer, Paul Ince, Stuart Pearce, David Seaman, Martin Keown, David Beckham, Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard and John Terry.

Ince became the first black player to captain England in 1993.

"Owen was a fantastic forward but nowhere near being a captain," said Campbell. "It was embarrassing. I kept asking myself, 'what have I done?'

"I've asked myself many times why I wasn't [made captain]. I keep coming up with the same answer. It was the colour of my skin."

The various managers, both permanently and on a temporary basis, in charge of England during Campbell's playing days for the national team between May 1996 and November 2007 were Terry Venables, Hoddle, Howard Wilkinson, Kevin Keegan, Peter Taylor, Eriksson and Steve McClaren.

Former FA executive director David Davies says the responsibility of selecting the England captain lay with the manager of the team at the time, rather than English football's governing body.

"I was a great fan of Sol Campbell as a player and a person. He made a huge contribution to the England team," Davies told BBC Radio 5 live's Sportsweek programme.

"I am perplexed by this because the reality is the England coach in my time selected the captain.
"He clearly is upset about that time and perhaps feels he should have been more seriously considered.

"The reality is Tony Adams was made captain by Terry Venables when most people expected David Platt to be captain.

"I wasn't surprised when Tony Adams was made captain or when David Beckham was made captain first by Peter Taylor, and then Sven-Goran Eriksson."


Sol, with all due respect, shut the fuck up.

Was he a good player? Yes. Deserved to be captain? Sure, why not.

But was he not given the captaincy because he's black? No.

First of all, it already states in the news report than Ince was made captain in 1993. So it wasn't exactly a new thing.

Second, Sol Campbell was so offended by this that he waited two years after his retirement to say anything.

All I can take from this is "Wah, wah, wah, I never made it as England captain and now I'm no longer relevant in the world of football I'm going to act like it was because I was black so I can get a major news article on the BBC website."

I'm not naive; I know racism plays a part in football and should be stamped out, but that doesn't give black players the right to use it to their advantage, pandering to the racism card and acting like any grievance from their career was down to them being black.

And Martin Keown seemingly agrees with me, saying "his former team mate could have aired his views in a less controversial manner."

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Sun-2-Mar-2014 18:01:42 · 685 comments
Main Event

Its from a book he's been doing that's been serialised in the Times. They've taken a contentious opinion and published it to sell more papers & books. I don't believe what he's saying but that is a lot of white players & white managers. Rio Ferdinand has only got 7 captain caps when he was leading Man Utd for years.

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Sun-2-Mar-2014 18:21:39 · 3,230 comments
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Rio has had better captains in front of him though. Guys like Gerrard, etc.

The only one that Campbell can really complain about is that Owen was captain more times than him.

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Sun-2-Mar-2014 18:53:55 · 740 comments
Jek

Shut the fuck up Rhys. Just by looking at this title I can tell you don't know shit about racial relations and institutional racism, you've probably met 3 black people in your life in Wales. Second of all, don't disrespect a player like Sol Campbell he's a legend in the England game and deserved to be captain. Thridly, as Ross said, this is has been taken out of his auto biography. He wasn't trying to get onto the BBC website they took what he said in the book and make it a story.

You really need to stop knee jerk reactions and re read your post because you come across as a prick tbh.

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Sun-2-Mar-2014 21:44:49 · 5,104 comments
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H Sticks wrote

Shut the fuck up Rhys. Just by looking at this title I can tell you don't know shit about racial relations and institutional racism, you've probably met 3 black people in your life in Wales.

When someone blames their misgivings on their race, that's called "pulling the race card". The title is "Sol Campbell uses the race card." Please explain what part of that title is misleading.

Second of all, don't disrespect a player like Sol Campbell he's a legend in the England game and deserved to be captain.

You're not pissed off because I called him out on his bullshit. You are pissed off because I called out an Arsenal and England legend and you just so happen to be a fan of both.

It's funny that the only guy saying I was out of order was the Arsenal fan, who also happens to be black and english. Look at it from a neutral point of view.

Thridly, as Ross said, this is has been taken out of his auto biography. He wasn't trying to get onto the BBC website they took what he said in the book and make it a story.

You think he published it in his book for no-one to notice it? Don't be naive. He knew exactly what he was doing when he wrote it, he was making a controversial statement that would be publicized when people saw it.

You really need to stop knee jerk reactions and re read your post because you come across as a prick tbh.

Actually, I think your knee-jerk reaction to my comments are the only thing that looks prickish. I was stating my opinion. You don't have to like it. If I offended you by suggesting that Sol Campbell wasn't held back by his race and is just being a baby then that's your problem.

If there had been any sort of proof or back up to his claims, maybe I would have given him a second thought. But the only defense of his claims were "Owen wasn't good enough to be captain".

Last edited by rhys (Sun-2-Mar-2014 21:50:11)

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Sun-2-Mar-2014 23:16:48 · 1,776 comments
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This story isnt really about racism tbh.

Sol campbell only looks out for sol campbell, and if he wasnt made captain then is must be someone elses fault.

He's grabbed at what he feels is the most likely source and tugged at it.

Bare in mind that campbell is desperate for a career in media (he wanted to be a film star 3 years ago) and this story puts him back in the public eye again.

Look out for him getting a recurring media job soon.

As for the actual issue of him being england captain, he would have been a decent captain, but from what ive heard he was a bit quiet and reserved in the dressing room (much like scott parker).  Its the managers choice, and Im certain the pkayers colour hasnt been a factor for a long time

And in terms of the FA, i bet they would have LOVED a black player to be captain. Would have been fantastic for them in the media.

This is just campbell being a nob (i loved him as an england player btw, clubs dont count for me when a player pulls on the england jersey)

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Sun-2-Mar-2014 23:26:36 · 5,104 comments
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I'm glad someone else sees my point.

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Mon-3-Mar-2014 07:54:59 · 740 comments
Jek
rhys wrote

When someone blames their misgivings on their race, that's called "pulling the race card". The title is "Sol Campbell uses the race card." Please explain what part of that title is misleading.

The title didn't mislead me, the title offended me. Minorities can't speak up about racism without white people bringing up the race card, it's like you're saying if you're offended you're being a baby. The fact is you don't know what it's like to be discriminated against and it seems you are insensitive to racism. I'd bet my house on it that the FA is rife with institutional racism. This reminds me of something I saw a few years ago, Defoe must of scored 2 o 3 goals for England. But it was David Beckham who was in all the back pages.

Plus, I don't think Campbell should of been captain ahead of Beckham. This has nothing to do with me being an Arsenal fan or English, you were being disrespectful to Campbell because he was speaking up over a sensitive matter. And the only person who sees your point is a Spurs fan.

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Mon-3-Mar-2014 07:57:35 · 740 comments
Jek
Mr Hilds wrote

This story isnt really about racism tbh.

Sol campbell only looks out for sol campbell, and if he wasnt made captain then is must be someone elses fault.

He's grabbed at what he feels is the most likely source and tugged at it.

Bare in mind that campbell is desperate for a career in media (he wanted to be a film star 3 years ago) and this story puts him back in the public eye again.

Look out for him getting a recurring media job soon.

As for the actual issue of him being england captain, he would have been a decent captain, but from what ive heard he was a bit quiet and reserved in the dressing room (much like scott parker).  Its the managers choice, and Im certain the pkayers colour hasnt been a factor for a long time

And in terms of the FA, i bet they would have LOVED a black player to be captain. Would have been fantastic for them in the media.

This is just campbell being a nob (i loved him as an england player btw, clubs dont count for me when a player pulls on the england jersey)

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Mon-3-Mar-2014 11:10:12 · 3,230 comments
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In fairness to Rhys, people do use the race card a lot when there's no reason to. My mate got pulled over for speeding the other day and he put in a complaint about it saying that he was only pulled over because he was black. He got off it as they didn't want the hassle. Sure if he was going way over the speed limit they wouldn't have cared, but he openly admits to me that he knew complaining about that would take the attention away from his speeding and it did.

A few years ago down here someone beat the shit out of a black guy for sleeping with his wife. He got done for a racist attack as the guy claimed it was a race attack, despite the fact that he'd been sleeping with the guys wife.

Race doesn't always come in to things, but it's all too easy to say that it does.

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Mon-3-Mar-2014 12:40:24 · 109 comments
Mid Card

I think Sol would've made a very good captain if he didn't have serious competition for that role at international level. He was a top class defender but a better leader than John Terry, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, David Beckham or Ashley Cole? Yeah right. Even the weakest name on the list in terms of leadership qualities (Cole) has a better on-field presence than him.

Taking away his personal gripes, he has a very good point. The FA reeks of racism sometimes, you only have to look at two of the most high profile cases of recent years. Luis Suarez' attack on Patrice Evra resulted in a massive ban whilst John Terry's attack on Anton Ferdinand resulted in punishment which was little more than a slap on the wrist. Sol Campbell might be talking out of his arse most of the time but there is something in his comments here that should be looked at.

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Mon-3-Mar-2014 13:03:21 · 3,230 comments
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The Suarez and Terry incidents were totally different tho. Suarez admitted what he said, Terry denied it so it was his word against Ferdinands. They can't just go with what Ferdinand said else that could be used by other people where they might not have said anything wrong at all.

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Mon-3-Mar-2014 13:14:14 · 1,776 comments
Almost God like? Maybe...
H Sticks wrote
Mr Hilds wrote

This story isnt really about racism tbh.

Sol campbell only looks out for sol campbell, and if he wasnt made captain then is must be someone elses fault.

He's grabbed at what he feels is the most likely source and tugged at it.

Bare in mind that campbell is desperate for a career in media (he wanted to be a film star 3 years ago) and this story puts him back in the public eye again.

Look out for him getting a recurring media job soon.

As for the actual issue of him being england captain, he would have been a decent captain, but from what ive heard he was a bit quiet and reserved in the dressing room (much like scott parker).  Its the managers choice, and Im certain the pkayers colour hasnt been a factor for a long time

And in terms of the FA, i bet they would have LOVED a black player to be captain. Would have been fantastic for them in the media.

This is just campbell being a nob (i loved him as an england player btw, clubs dont count for me when a player pulls on the england jersey)

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/04/ … 68x286.jpg

This isnt about campbell moving from spurs to arse, altho that is a gd example of campbell saying one thing and doing another, and only caring about whats good for campbell.

Hes was a great player, but he almost always has an agenda.

Like i said, watch out for him moving into a media role...

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Mon-3-Mar-2014 13:20:44 · 109 comments
Mid Card
Mr Hilds wrote
H Sticks wrote
Mr Hilds wrote

This story isnt really about racism tbh.

Sol campbell only looks out for sol campbell, and if he wasnt made captain then is must be someone elses fault.

He's grabbed at what he feels is the most likely source and tugged at it.

Bare in mind that campbell is desperate for a career in media (he wanted to be a film star 3 years ago) and this story puts him back in the public eye again.

Look out for him getting a recurring media job soon.

As for the actual issue of him being england captain, he would have been a decent captain, but from what ive heard he was a bit quiet and reserved in the dressing room (much like scott parker).  Its the managers choice, and Im certain the pkayers colour hasnt been a factor for a long time

And in terms of the FA, i bet they would have LOVED a black player to be captain. Would have been fantastic for them in the media.

This is just campbell being a nob (i loved him as an england player btw, clubs dont count for me when a player pulls on the england jersey)

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/04/ … 68x286.jpg

This isnt about campbell moving from spurs to arse, altho that is a gd example of campbell saying one thing and doing another, and only caring about whats good for campbell.

Hes was a great player, but he almost always has an agenda.

Like i said, watch out for him moving into a media role...

When race is brought up again in the media, I look forward to his appearance on Question Time.

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Mon-3-Mar-2014 13:42:14 · 740 comments
Jek

Yeah I know Hilds but I couldn't help myself.

My point isn't about Campbell being England's captain, he shouldn't of been tbh. I just hate when white people talk about racism like it's a game of snap that they're not good at. Ben, your friend in the car has probably been harassed by police all his life so it's probably second nature for him to blame them for stopping him by claiming racism.

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Mon-3-Mar-2014 20:39:37 · 685 comments
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benjawi wrote

The Suarez and Terry incidents were totally different tho. Suarez admitted what he said, Terry denied it so it was his word against Ferdinands. They can't just go with what Ferdinand said else that could be used by other people where they might not have said anything wrong at all.

Anton Ferdinand didn't make a complaint or even hear what Terry said. A member of the public saw it on TV and then filed a complaint with the police. There was video footage of Terry calling Ferdinand a "fucking black cunt" & "a fucking knobhead." Terry denied it and said "I actually said do you think I called you a black cunt?" Then when they pulled out the lip readers in court and they confirmed he did say the former, he agreed he did say it but it was in a sarcastic, questioning way. Somehow he got found not guilty.

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Mon-3-Mar-2014 20:48:55 · 1,776 comments
Almost God like? Maybe...

So whats the answer then?

Im a white guy, my ex was black, and the girl Ive been seeing the last couple of weeks is also black. Neither of them really make any mention of their colour (and why would they as I dont talk about being white with them) so race isnt an issue in my relationship.

I dont want a relationship with a black girl, i want a relationship with a girl.

Sol is the one bringing colour into this. Im sure there is racism at the fa, and there is a forum for talking about it. But sol has decided to write it in his book because he thinks it will see more copies and get more exposure.

I dont like racism in any forms, but i dont see a point in what sol has said except to further himself.

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