'They're behind a screen, you've made something of your life' - Nottingham Forest players on racism

Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest in khaki green tracksuit with yellow trim and Nottingham Forest and Adidas logos as well as e.on next sponsoring under Forest crest carrying can of Red Bull in left hand and with right hand in pocket
-Credit: (Image: Nottingham Forest FC via Getty I)


Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White tries not to pay too much attention to the racists who have targeted him in his career. "At the end of the day, they’re the ones sat behind a computer screen," says the 24-year-old. "And you’re doing something with your life. I think that is a good way to look at it.”

The Reds midfielder is one of a number of stars who have spoken up about their experiences with abuse, to mark October's Black History Month. And while, back in his teenage years, the number 10 says he was "quite immature" in dealing with people who took aim at him based on his skin colour, the England international says maturity has helped him deal with things "in the right way".

“When it first happened, I didn’t know how to handle it, but as I’ve got older and spoken to more people, that’s helped me massively on how to deal with things in the right way and get support," says Gibbs-White. "It is hard to control your anger when it happens. It's obviously wrong in so many ways because everyone is human and everyone’s blood is red.

“I just believe that you have to think of it as you’re unique and you have to, in some way, represent the culture in a positive way by not reacting in the moment."

The players were asked questions by young Nottingham residents about how they deal with what they have faced in their career. Sweden international Anthony Elanga told them that they should be proud of who you are.

“To any young person from the Black community in Nottingham, I’d say be proud of who you are, as you’re here for a reason and have got a mission in this world. Don’t let anyone try and talk you down – it doesn’t matter what colour skin you have, it’s important to stay true to yourself. We should never let racism win."

The 22-year-old, who grew up in Sweden and Manchester but whose parents are from Cameroon, said Black History Month "means a lot" as someone with African roots. “Obviously, we know that historically, in Africa, it’s not been easy for a lot of my ancestors and family there, so I want to give back to my people there as well," he explained.

“It’s important to have people from different cultures, because it adds something different to the group and helps with everything in general on a day-to-day basis. I’m really happy that we take Black History Month so seriously. We have a lot of diversity in our team and a lot of Black players in the Premier League, so it’s really important to me to be able to celebrate this month."

Irish centre back Andrew Omobamidele said that racism is "difficult to ignore". But like Gibbs-White, he tries not to look to much into it.

He said: “I don’t personally look too much into it, but when you see it targeted at you, it is difficult to ignore, but I think it comes back to having that inner confidence and support system. The only thing I care about is my manager and my teammates’ opinions, my family members, my mum, but other than that, if it’s not affecting my career in any way, I try my best to pay no mind to it.”

The players were speaking to youngsters from the Hyson Green base of Nottinghamshire Police Cadets and other teenagers as part of a joint campaign between Forest and the police to crack down on racism during Black History Month.