Ex-Soccer Club Official Under Fire for Discriminatory Remarks on Black Players

A former official at soccer clubs in England and Wales has been accused by an anti-racism body of using insensitive language to stereotype Black players.

Stuart Webber, who previously held the position of sporting director at Norwich City, reportedly made these remarks while discussing five Black players he had worked with - Jonny Rowe, Abu Kamara, Max Aarons, Jamal Lewis, and Raheem Sterling - in an interview with The Pink Un, a local newspaper in Norwich.

Webber shared his thoughts during a discussion about his upcoming journey to climb Mount Everest to raise funds for charity.

He emphasized the importance of supporting those in real need, rather than those who may already have advantages. Webber pointed out that for many players, success in football was crucial as the alternative could have been ending up in jail or facing other challenges.

The comments made on X, formerly known as Twitter, have received widespread condemnation. Kick It Out, a sports anti-discrimination body, described the remarks as "racial profiling" and deemed them as "deeply offensive and concerning."

Kick It Out expressed their dismay, stating, "To read such callous language being used by someone who until recently was a senior executive at the top of the English game paints a very damning picture."

Resorting to lazy stereotyping is not only hurtful for those who are targeted, but it also demonstrates a lack of respect for their families. Families play a significant role in the journeys of these players, and disrespecting them is unacceptable.

Raheem Sterling celebrates scoring for England against Iran at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Raheem Sterling celebrates scoring for England against Iran at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Julian Finney/Getty Images

CNN has tried to reach out to Webber to get his perspective.

Webber and his wife Zoe founded the Summit Foundation. This organization collaborates with various charities to develop initiatives that support youth. The foundation's goal, as stated on their website, is to break the cycle of poverty by focusing on education.

"We need to provide the youth in this community with goals to work towards, motivation to push themselves, and if possible, financial assistance," he shared with The Pink Un. "After the Everest expedition, our charity efforts will carry on."

In a release on X, Kamara, a forward on loan at League One club Portsmouth from Norwich City, expressed his and his family's profound sorrow and surprise at Webber's comments.

He continued by saying that black and ethnic minority children do not need to become professional athletes to stay away from a life of crime. It is crucial that younger generations do not believe this misleading idea.

He expressed his pride in his roots and recognized the sacrifices his family made for him to pursue a career in football. These comments highlight the ongoing journey towards achieving equality for all.

Aarons' mother, Amber, mentioned that she believed none of the boys would have ended up in jail. Lewis' mother, Catrina, criticized Webber's comments as unprofessional.

Webber previously worked at various clubs such as Huddersfield Town, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Queens Park Rangers, Liverpool, and Wrexham before joining Norwich City, where his wife Zoe holds a position as an executive director.

CNN has contacted Norwich City, which plays in the second tier of English soccer, for comment.

Editor's P/S:

The comments made by Stuart