BRIGHTON AND HOVE Albion boss Chris Hughton feels there is still an “unacceptable” level of offensive behaviour in football despite significant improvements in recent years.
The Football Association has been in the spotlight this week following an investigation into the conduct of former England women’s boss Mark Sampson.
The FA apologised to England players Eniola Aluko and Drew Spence after new evidence showed Sampson to have made remarks that were “discriminatory on the grounds of race”.
Hughton, who became the first mixed-race player to represent the Republic of Ireland, says there is a “better environment” in football today but still believes there are steps forward to be taken.
“We are all very aware at this particular moment of what does cross the line, certainly anything that is deemed offensive to any individual,” he told a press conference today.
“It’s not just about what’s offensive to the changing room. If there is something said that’s offensive to one particular individual, it’s crossing the line.
“What we have in the game at the moment is certainly a better environment than there used to be, but there are areas that are still very much unacceptable.
In our workplace at the moment, I think we are very aware of what’s acceptable and what’s not acceptable.”
Hughton takes his Brighton side to face West Ham on Friday, looking to claim a first away Premier League win of the season.
There is greater pressure on opposite number Slaven Bilic, however, with the Hammers having won only one of their last four league games.
Hughton believes the speculation over Bilic’s future is unfair but says it stems from a culture that is unlikely to change.
“Personally, I think it is too soon,” he said, just two days after Leicester City sacked manager Craig Shakespeare. “But it’s something that we have very much got used to.
“It’s the pressure of management, it’s the pressure of needing to get results so quickly. The clamour of everybody involved in the club, in the game, that you have to get instant results.
“Certainly, when there has been investment in clubs and, of course the foreign owners that we have now want results instantly and it’s something that we’ve got used to. I don’t see it changing.”
Subscribe to The42 podcasts here:
Oh yeah I’m sure he didn’t know a thing about it. Either way it’s a nice boost for the squad to hear their manager say that.
Can’t understand himself and Eddie Jines hopping on these podcasts and chucking people under buses. I reckon this second stint will end on a low; Wales do not have the calibre of players coming up which they previously had.
So basically saying I did no homework before rejoining. Hmm doubt that very much.
Really? No idea??
I mean I knew and probably every other rugby head on the 42…
His contract is fairly lucrative still though.. probably would have been better putting that money into sorting out regions..
A man on the decline inherited a good side and had success but it was more of Shawn Edwards work than his. He took all the glory but was eventually forced out went back home and failed, he must have thought all his christmas had come into one when asked to take the Welsh job now the excuses, he has got a chance with the draw for the World Cup but I can’t see it.The Welsh rugby union could have picked better but just panicked which just about sums them up
How can he say this with a straight face? The mans ego knows no bounds and he can’t cope with the responsibility of a failing Welsh team. He has to get in with his excuses first.
@Keyser Söze: listen to the podcast, he was laughing when he said it.
@Darragh Forrest: A good chunk of Gatland’s career involved him sneering or laughing at others. He will pocket the (serious) pay cheque while simultaneously making his excuses in advance. If I’m not mistaken, he has a multi-year contract, so a payoff is on the cards.
Have to say, I’m finding this Welsh Rugby turmoil quite amusing. Hopefully they leave the URC and join up with the remaining English sides. Be better for all parties involved.
I found his comments honest and positive, he’s not running away.