I’m compelled to write this as my blood is simmering, my heart thundering and my eyes are unable to believe what they have witnessed.

In a scene that most hoped would never have been played out again since Rosa Parks stood up against such discrimination 60 years ago, video footage of a similar incident in Paris on Tuesday 17th February is currently going viral online.

The video clearly shows a man trying to board a train at Richelieu-Drouot station before a football match between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain and being chanted at by a crowd after being forcefully pushed back onto the platform on at least two occasions.

Some of the Chelsea fans on the train can be heard in the video chanting, “We’re racist, we’re racist and that’s the way we like it,” making it very clear that the man was not welcome on board.

Chelsea Football Club has strongly condemned the actions of the fans and released a statement saying, “Such behaviour is abhorrent and has no place in football or society. We will support any criminal action against those involved, and should evidence point to involvement of Chelsea season-ticket holders or members, the club will take the strongest possible action against them, including banning orders.”

These were the actions of just a few and it’s important to point out that these views and actions should not be a reflection of the club as a whole, as I’m sure the majority would be outraged after witnessing this incident.

Hopefully, with the video going viral it will once again show that racism does not have a place in society, as the outrage and backlash across all social media sites has once again shown that the majority are willing to make a stand and voice that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.

It is shocking and it is upsetting to watch, more so because so many showed aggression towards one man, one innocent individual just trying to casually go about his day. The fact that it happened due to the man’s skin is sickening and horrendous and it is something that cannot be ignored or ever justified by anyone.

There is not an explanation on this planet that can give a reason as to why, due to the colour of a person’s skin, anyone, anywhere, at anytime should be subjected to any level or any type (whether silent or voiced) of discrimination, aggression, intimidation or racism.

We are all humans, and of course, we all have different cultures, belief systems, religions, skin colours, opinions, ideologies and more, but, we are each equal to the next person. Each and every one of us.

Relephant:

How Racism Survives.

 

Author: Alex Myles

Editor: Travis May

Photo: Video Still