So... Black players union?

[Negative Creep]

Justin Cyder said:

Again, maybe, but maybe not representative of the ethnic make up of professional football. As I say, I don't have a position one way or the other, just stimulating the debate.

I'm not sure if it's possible to say this without it sounding like I'm trying to make out that it's a bad thing, but could we not argue black people are over represented on the football field? Although I'm certain 99.9% of fans wouldn't care less about the colour of their players or manager. In fact do we even notice it in the starting 11 anymore? Could people name all the non white players at their club off the top of their head? With the big clubs scouring the planet for the next Messi or Zindane I also find it very hard to believe those in charge would discount players because of their colour.

[TwigtheWonderkid]

I don't think the aim of positive discrimination is to give jobs to people that aren't up to it. What it does is to ensure that in the event of a few candidates of equal ability being available, the person from the target group, who are currently under represented, gets the gig.

[Justin Cyder]

Negative Creep said:

I'm not sure if it's possible to say this without it sounding like I'm trying to make out that it's a bad thing, but could we not argue black people are over represented on the football field? Although I'm certain 99.9% of fans wouldn't care less about the colour of their players or manager. In fact do we even notice it in the starting 11 anymore? Could people name all the non white players at their club off the top of their head? With the big clubs scouring the planet for the next Messi or Zindane I also find it very hard to believe those in charge would discount players because of their colour.

IN respect of the wider population? Yes. In terms of footballing ability? No way. Players always come through on merit, except when Mr. Abramovich picks the team.

[TheHeretic]

TwigtheWonderkid said:

I don't think the aim of positive discrimination is to give jobs to people that aren't up to it. What it does is to ensure that in the event of a few candidates of equal ability being available, the person from the target group, who are currently under represented, gets the gig.

So all things being equal, it is inequal?

[TwigtheWonderkid]

TheHeretic said:

TwigtheWonderkid said:

I don't think the aim of positive discrimination is to give jobs to people that aren't up to it. What it does is to ensure that in the event of a few candidates of equal ability being available, the person from the target group, who are currently under represented, gets the gig.

So all things being equal, it is inequal?

It's an attempt to put right the imbalance caused by previous discriminatory practices. And to put it right quicker than might otherwise be the case by just ending the discrimination. That's all. I don't think it's as insidious as has been suggested.