Football Coach John Yems' Racism Ban Extended Until 2026
Former Crawley Town Football Club manager John Yems has been suspended from all football and related activities for three years following a breach of anti-discrimination rules. The English Football Association (FA) made the announcement after an appeal.
The allegations against Yems were made in April 2022 and related to discriminatory language and behaviour towards his players from 2019 to 2022. Crawley Town suspended Yems, and he left the club two weeks later after the FA announced its investigation.
Yems was found guilty of 16 breaches of FA Rule E3.2, which relates to comments on race and ethnicity. He admitted to one charge and was initially banned for 17 months until June 2024. However, the FA appealed the decision, claiming that the sanction was insufficient and that the commission’s finding that this was not a case of conscious racism was wrong.
The FA released a statement welcoming the independent Appeal Board’s verdict to suspend Yems from all football-related activity until January 2026. The statement said, “This is the longest ever ban issued to a participant in English football for discrimination, and follows our decision to appeal and challenge the verdict of the independent Regulatory Commission after the first hearing in January."
The British anti-discriminatory body Kick It Out welcomed the decision to extend the ban, calling it a “landmark moment.” Its chief executive Tony Burnett said, “We … wholeheartedly concur with their conclusion that the initial judgment that he was ‘not a conscious racist’ is ‘untenable’.”
The organization added that strong sanctions are crucial in sending out a message that racist, Islamophobic, and discriminatory language would not be tolerated in football. It also hoped that the record-length ban issued to Yems would be a landmark moment that enables more victims of discrimination to come forward and provides a powerful statement that abusing the power dynamic between coach and player would have severe consequences.
The case highlights the need for football clubs to take swift action against discriminatory behavior and for authorities to enforce strong sanctions. It also emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all footballers, regardless of their background, are treated fairly and with respect.
The case of John Yems and his suspension from football-related activities for three years for breaching anti-discrimination rules has sparked widespread discussion and debate about discrimination in football. Many people have welcomed the decision, while others have criticized it, arguing that the punishment is too severe.
Some have also questioned the role of football clubs in preventing discrimination and ensuring that players and staff are treated with respect. Clubs have a responsibility to create a safe and inclusive environment for all players, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or other characteristics. This includes implementing clear policies and procedures for dealing with discrimination, providing training for staff and players, and taking swift and decisive action when incidents occur.
The case of John Yems is just one example of the ongoing problem of discrimination in football, and it underscores the need for continued efforts to address this issue. Football authorities, clubs, players, and fans must all work together to create a culture of inclusion and respect in the sport.
While the punishment may seem severe, it sends a clear message that discriminatory behavior will not be tolerated in football, and that those who engage in such behavior will face serious consequences. Hopefully, this case will encourage others to come forward if they experience discrimination in football and serve as a reminder that discrimination has no place in the sport or any other aspect of our society.