Actions tend to weigh more though.Originally Posted by Taunton Blue Genie
In the 70s with the backdrop of racism, it took balls for Atkinson to really push those black players - incredibly risky because if they'd flopped the backlash would have been immense. The gamble clearly paid off and had a massive, massive effect upon getting more black footballers into the game and also in changing and fighting racism amongst fans.
Have his actions had more benefit fighting racism than his stupid racist comments triggered racism? I'd say yes. Doesn't make his comments acceptable or excuse them.
As I said, quite the paradox. If Atkinson was a dyed in the wool NF style racist, then he'd have gone the safe route and not played Regis et al. Whilst the comments Sludge highlighted were clearly unacceptable, I've not heard of anyone within football citing examples of racism whist actively managing.
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