March 19, 2014

Akahata editorial (excerpts)

Three supporters of the Urawa Red Diamonds, a J-League club, hung a discriminatory banner reading “Japanese Only” over an entrance at its home stadium. The club, however, left the banner displayed during the game. J-League on March 23 decided to punish Urawa Reds, ordering the team to play a home game in an empty stadium. The club also decided to indefinitely ban the group to which the three fans belong from attending Urawa Reds games.

In dealing with this problem, J-League Chairman Murai Mitsuru showed zero tolerance towards racism.

J-League now has many players and coaches from other countries, and the number of overseas games is increasing. Football fans in Japan nowadays have a greater opportunity to get to know about foreign clubs as well. In such an atmosphere, the banner intended to deny foreigners’ entry is absolutely out of place.

Discrimination, in the first place, threatens the very basis of sports. All people should be allowed to play and compete irrespective of race, religion, or political beliefs. The idea of equality is essential in sports, and the fair play spirit can contribute to mutual understanding and peace. In other words, discrimination is anathema to sports.

J-League last year inserted into its membership code a provision prohibiting any form of discrimination based on race, sex, language, religion, or politics. FIFA last May also adopted a declaration on anti-racism and non-discrimination.

In Europe, players frequently face race and color discrimination, reportedly in many cases influenced by political situations such as anti-immigrant sentiments. Each time when it comes to the surface, severe punishment is imposed.

J-League supporters as a whole should take this opportunity to learn again that discrimination hurts everyone.