PERSONAL WORK

PRIDE & PREJUDICE

As a British Asian growing up in the late 70's and early 80's I was acutely aware of the routine violence among football fans. The regular news reports showing hordes of men kicking the shit out of each other not to mention the National Front deliberately targetting football grounds to recruit new members. Not really the kind of place you would like to be on a Saturday afternoon.

It is hardly surprising that I largely chose to ignore football except that is when the World Cup was on. Like so many people around the world I loved the World Cup and still do to this day, but the violence and racism that plagued the domestic game continued on the world stage and I always felt that I couldn't be a part of the England fan base.

I chose to adopt Brazil instead. Not a bad choice really, the flamboyant style, the skill, the passion, not to mention the beautiful, scantily-clad female supporters and let's face it the Brazilians know how to party! Footage of the fans was always a carnival regardless of the score and all were welcome.

Fast forward to 2005, society has moved on. Or has it? I decided to find out by travelling to Portugal for the European Cup where I interviewed and photographed Black and Asian supporters. Below is a small selection of the images.

I met some truly wonderful people from all around the world including England fans of all colours who were warm and friendly and lived for the game. I also found that it doesn't take much effort to find the racist element ever vocal with their songs, 'I'd rather be a Paki then a Turk' and 'No surrender."

It is against this background even today that Black and Asian men and women are claiming back the flag from the racists and wearing it with pride and integrity as England supporters.

Click picture to enlarge