Racism and football continue to make headlines. An Employment Tribunal in Ashford, Kent, has held that Gillingham FC unfairly dismissed and racially victimised Mark McGammon, a former Barbados
Racism and football continue to make headlines. An Employment Tribunal in Ashford, Kent, has held that Gillingham FC unfairly dismissed and racially victimised Mark McGammon, a former Barbados international.
Mr McGammon alleged that the club refused to pay private medical bills to help him regain fitness instead offering him the same operation on the NHS, something he claimed was totally out of character for a Football League club. Mr McGammon claimed he was later fined two weeks wages for having private treatment on his injury. In contrast, Mr McGammon alleged a white footballer was flown to Dubai for treatment on an injury at the club's expense.
Mr McGammon also claimed that he and two other black players were ordered to attend the ground when driving conditions were treacherous or their wages would be docked, while other white players were told that they were not required to come in. This resulted in a confrontation with manager Andy Hessenthaler whom Mr McGammon accused of being racially intolerant. Following this confrontation Mr McGammon was ordered to attend a disciplinary hearing and was subsequently dismissed for alleged aggressive behaviour.
Given the high profile nature of the reports of racism in football, whether on the pitch, via social media or elsewhere, clubs need to tackle allegations of racism with care. Gillingham FC is currently considering whether to appeal.
Mr McGammon alleged that the club refused to pay private medical bills to help him regain fitness instead offering him the same operation on the NHS, something he claimed was totally out of character for a Football League club. Mr McGammon claimed he was later fined two weeks wages for having private treatment on his injury. In contrast, Mr McGammon alleged a white footballer was flown to Dubai for treatment on an injury at the club's expense.
Mr McGammon also claimed that he and two other black players were ordered to attend the ground when driving conditions were treacherous or their wages would be docked, while other white players were told that they were not required to come in. This resulted in a confrontation with manager Andy Hessenthaler whom Mr McGammon accused of being racially intolerant. Following this confrontation Mr McGammon was ordered to attend a disciplinary hearing and was subsequently dismissed for alleged aggressive behaviour.
Given the high profile nature of the reports of racism in football, whether on the pitch, via social media or elsewhere, clubs need to tackle allegations of racism with care. Gillingham FC is currently considering whether to appeal.