From the Bradford match day thread:
BHmfc wrote:Disgraceful comments Keith. Are you saying that all the worthy causes the club has supported over the years, including mental health, kick it out, cancer care, rainbow laces and many, many others to which I have contributed to on collection days, are just meaningless. To say it is an 'empty gesture' will cause great distress to all the people who organise these days and all the people who are happy to donate. I think apologies are in order. PS Let the FA investigate all the facts and then make a judgement regarding Songo'o. Too many people are acting as judge and juror without knowing the facts.
We do know the facts...
There are two types of people;
1. Those who can extrapolate information from incomplete data.
Try some logic.
Clubs can appeal red cards if they believe they were issued unfairly.
Songo'o was sent off for using '
foul & abusive language'.
If Songo'o claimed not to have used the word, or had used a different word but been misheard, then the club would have appealed the red card and original two match suspension.
Not appealing it suggests they accept the red card was issued correctly.
The club said they would issue a statement following receipt of the referee's report. We're still waiting.
In any reasonable line of work, someone accused of homophobic language towards a co-worker (or anyone else) they would be suspended on full pay, awaiting an investigation. If a member of my staff called someone a "
faggot", they would definitely be suspended.
Suspension is a neutral act, designed to protect the employer & employeeIf the club has carried out an investigation, then issue the statement and explain what action is taking place.
If the club hasn't carried out an investigation, but chose to allow Songo'o to play, then I stand by my comment, that gestures, such as '
rainbow laces' are exactly that, '
gestures'.