The Football Association issued strict new guidance to referees nationwide on Wednesday after an incident in a Real Bedford match at the beginning of the month sparked a racism controversy.
On 2nd January, Langford FC footballer, Charan Basra was sent off after reacting to a Real Bedford player – named by the club as Jordan Brown – pulling his patka, a religious head covering commonly worn by Sikh men to protect their hair in sporting activities.
The referee did not see the alleged incident by Brown, instead sending Basra off for his reaction but the Football Association have acted quickly to issue new guidance to officials nationwide in the case of future incidents.
“There was no racist attack in the game”
A statement released by Real Bedford Chairman, Peter McCormack on 8th January rejected any accusation of racism, going so far as to suggest the allegations are “false”.
“This week, several allegations of racism have been made against Real Bedford FC player Jordan Brown.
“After reviewing the allegations on Twitter, I immediately spoke with the player and called the Langford chairman to discuss the incident.
“Allegations of racism should be treated seriously. The FA has worked hard to stamp this out of the game, and we commend and support them.
“Real Bedford is an inclusive club that supports footballers and fans of all ethnicities, religions, sexuality and gender. As such, we will never tolerate discrimination at our club.
“Equally, false allegations should also be treated seriously, as these can seriously affect the careers and mental health of those accused.
“Jordan Brown is unequivocally not racist, and the club rejects any accusation of racism labelled against him.”
However, a little over three weeks since the alleged incident took place, new guidance now asks officials to issue strict sanctions and have been told religious head coverings, such as patkas, are considered religious articles of faith.
Touching one without permission should be deemed an offensive action under Law 12 of the FA Handbook relating to fouls and misconduct, with the punishment a straight red card.
The guidance was accelerated after an intervention from professional football’s first ever Sikh official, Jarnail Singh, who worked with Sky Sports’ British South Asians in Football Lead, Dev Trehan who approached the relevant refereeing organisations.
Freedom and preservation
In an interview with Sky Sports, one of England’s multicultural supporters groups, APNA England, welcomed the move, saying it gives Asian footballers a sense of “freedom and preservation” for every patka-wearing footballer.
Micky Singh, spokesperson for APNA England said, “I can’t explain what it feels like knowing that my grandson would now be afforded a level of protection and respect for his faith if he made it all the way through to the elite game.
“This is momentous for Sikhs, a game-changer for British South Asians, and a tremendous day for English football.”
Asked whether they would like to comment further on the issue, Real Bedford chairman, Peter McCormack welcomed the guidance from the FA.
“Real Bedford FC is pleased that the FA is giving more guidance on religious matters.
“Real Bedford FC is an inclusive club that supports further awareness of cultural and religious differences among players and staff.
“We welcome members of all faiths and religions at our club.”
Both Langford FC and the Spartans South Midlands League were also approached for comment but no response has been received by Bedford Independent at the time of publication.
