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Jason Sherlock calls for "understanding" on racism in the GAA

Jason Sherlock says more can be done in the GAA to help combat racism. The 1995 All-Ireland winne...



Jason Sherlock calls for
Football

Jason Sherlock calls for "understanding" on racism in the GAA

Jason Sherlock says more can be done in the GAA to help combat racism.

The 1995 All-Ireland winner with Dublin was speaking on The Sunday Game where he said he had experienced racism first-hand throughout his career.

Crossmaglen player Aaron Cunningham recently told OTB the GAA has "missed the boat" regarding racism, while Sherlock was asked if racism is still an issue for the GAA.

"It’s something you can’t really gauge, there is no barometer for it," Sherlock said.

"There is a lot of rhetoric out there at the moment in terms of racism.

"I remember every situation I had where I was slagged, by a player, the crowd, or the manager, and that doesn’t leave you.

"You still harness all that self-doubt and anger, all the frustration of the emotion that goes with a situation like that.

"Us talking about things like this, if that can assist one boy or girl in the GAA community and make things better for them, it’s worth exploring and having the conversation."

"Part of this conversation about racism is understanding. It’s understanding on both parties, it’s understanding if you are on the receiving end of racism, but also if you are curious, or vindictive, or ask questions of people because of the colour of their skin.

"It’s imperative that we provide what impact that can have."

Jason Sherlock

Jason Sherlock believes more can be done, not just by GAA officials and referees, but all of the games' participants.

“What we’re here for is to look at the solutions for what we can do, can we look at what we do in our summer camps with our kids, can we look at how inclusive our clubs are for people who wouldn’t traditionally go into GAA clubs.

"And from a moderation point of view, and I know there is experience with referees, they’re still not sure what’s right and wrong.

“But people attending games, we know the GAA is a passionate kind of game, and we don’t want to take that out, but at the same time, are there comments made at matches that shouldn’t be made?

"Do we do anything about that? Again, I think we have great games, but I think it’s important we ensure we continue to have a diverse and inclusive GAA community going forward.”

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