Norwich City has distanced themselves from comments made by former sporting director Stuart Webber about five black players, stating that his remarks do not reflect the wider views of the club. Webber had mentioned in an interview that Raheem Sterling, Abu Kamara, Jonathan Rowe, Max Aarons, and Jamal Lewis might have ended up in jail if they had not become footballers. The club reaffirmed their commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion and creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. They stated that they would continue to work with organizations like the FA and Kick It Out to foster a culture of inclusivity and belonging for all their supporters, players, and staff.
Stuart Webber made these controversial comments while discussing his charity work for the Summit Foundation, which he founded with his wife. Some of the players mentioned by Webber are currently or have previously been associated with Norwich City, including Rowe and Kamara. Kamara responded to Webber’s remarks by expressing shock and sadness and emphasizing that one does not have to be a professional athlete to avoid a life of crime. He stressed the importance of hard work, self-belief, and consistency in achieving one’s goals, regardless of their background.
Norwich City announced that they were focusing on reaching out to Rowe and Kamara directly to address their concerns and provide support. They also stated that they were in the process of contacting the other named players like Aarons and Lewis, as well as engaging in dialogue with Kick It Out, an organization that works to combat discrimination in football. The club reiterated their commitment to working with various authorities to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone associated with the club, emphasizing the importance of diversity and belonging.
Webber’s comments have sparked controversy and drawn attention to issues of race, representation, and inclusion in football. The incident has highlighted the need for continued efforts to promote diversity and combat discrimination in the sport. Norwich City’s response to the situation reflects their dedication to addressing these important issues and working towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for their players, staff, and supporters. By collaborating with organizations like the FA and Kick It Out, the club aims to foster a culture of equality and ensure that everyone feels valued and respected regardless of their background or ethnicity.
