Brian Kerr has passionately spoken about what sport is doing to tackle racism, and that governments worldwide need to do more to tackle the problem at its root.
Kerr was speaking after a social media blackout was confirmed across the Premier League, ESL, WSL, and Women's Championship.
Brian Kerr on racism
"I think sport is doing its bit for something society needs to fix"
Brian Kerr on the social media boycott planned by Premier League teams across the board.
Full chat here: https://t.co/s7ykIva8E6…
Football w/@paddypower pic.twitter.com/F8Qj9UySxn— Off The Ball (@offtheball) April 25, 2021
"What I would like to say on it is that I think sport is trying to do its bit on something that society needs to fix," Kerr said.
"At least sport is showing signs of activity and has shown signs of concern for many years. Not enough.
"I have said this frequently, that the administrators of our game - Uefa, its associations, and FIFA - they need to be much stronger in dealing with racist incidents on the pitch and around the grounds.
"Aroung the grounds now it has become much more of an issue with clubs trying to deal with supporters shouting racist comments at players. But that was let go by for years and years without comment, it is only the past couple of seasons that it has become an issue with players or people off the pitch.
"The problem should be of just as much concern in general society by governments around the world. If governments decided to act and implement proper laws and law-making in relation to the treatment of citizens, the everyday attitudes to people of colour or different in any way. Then we will be seen to be doing something about it, rather than leaving it to sport to be the vehicle for changes in society.
"Racism is disgusting in society, racism is disgusting in sport. And yes, everyone should have done more about it - Uefa, the clubs, the leagues, and individuals. Players of all nationalities, creeds; black or white, whatever should have been much stronger in calling out attitudes in the past and present.
"Maybe we'll be able to change things in the world, but there is a long, long way to go."
