If the quenelle is racist, then ‘all priests are paedophiles' and pineapples will be banned

This case looks at the long history of racism on and off the football pitch. Although this case focuses on UK football, the issue does not exist solely within the UK – it is found in many countries and even threatens to disrupt the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The case highlights the poor attempts by clubs and by football (and other) authorities to stamp out racism. The examples demonstrate the lack of consistency in dealing with the problem and the apparent unwillingness of people at the top to deal with this issue. Perhaps business needs to be drawn into the furore to ensure action – hit racists where it hurts (and we are not talking footballs here). Umbro’s withdrawal of sponsorship of John Terry is a start; Zoopla’s withdrawal of their West Bromwich Albion shirt sponsorship another – let’s have some bigger action off the pitch.