Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has urged for more to be done to eradicate racism in football in a powerful video with the club's first black player Paul Canoville.
England's Hudson-Odoi has been subjected to racist abuse at international and club level while Canoville has opened up on the racism he received when making his first-team debut for the Blues in 1982.
The pair sat down in a Beats by Dre and Chelsea FC discussion to shine a light on their experiences of racial abuse, with Hudson-Odoi calling for 'massive change' within the game to tackle the issue.
'You want to look at them and give them a reaction, but sometimes you giving them a reaction makes them feel like "we want to do more – we want to carry on doing it to you because you're giving us what we want. You're giving us that reaction that we're winning,"' Hudson-Odoi said.
'I think that there's got to be a massive change. We keep saying it day in day out, we've got to change something in football because you don't want to feel that kind of way about anything.
'Whether it's in the stadium and you're hearing racist abuse, or you're on social media and you're seeing racial abuse – you shouldn't be hearing that at all. Our skin colour should never affect football.'
The compelling conversation comes just over a week after FA Chairman Greg Clarke resigned after he referred to 'coloured footballers' and claimed South Asians and Afro-Caribbean people have 'different career interests' during a car-crash grilling by MPs.
Canoville, who was at Stamford Bridge for five years, cast his mind back to the challenges his parents faced and also expressed his disbelief that racism is still prevalent in society today.
'For me, it's what my parents went through. I was proud to be black. It was so difficult when they came over on the Windrush that my mum wanted to better herself and found it difficult,' Canoville added.
'This [colour of my skin] shouldn't have to get in the way. I just don't understand it and that still continues to this very day.'
Canoville was the victim of racial abuse when he made his debut - a moment that every footballer should cherish - for Chelsea 38 years ago.
'That day [Canoville's first match for Chelsea] was a surprise that shocked me and knocked me for six,' he said.
'As a young black lad who was warming up after being given the nod from his manager and thinking 'yeah I'm ready, I'm going to strip off', and then I hear this racist abuse… it does affect you because I went home after thinking 'what did I do wrong? What can I do better?'
After being on the receiving end of racial abuse on the field of play Hudson-Odoi said last season that he would walk off the pitch if he was the target of such abuse again as long as his team-mates and manager agreed.
And the 20-year-old is grateful to pioneer Canoville for setting an example for others to follow.
'All the stories that I've heard and read about – I really appreciate the way you handled your situation,' Hudson-Odoi added.
'You made a big statement for everyone to understand that black players can come through, make a name for themselves and be proud of their skin colour.'
A number of players in English football have been targeted by racists on social media with Tottenham star Ryan Sessegnon the latest to reveal that he received vile racist abuse on social media earlier this month.
Raheem Sterling, Troy Deeney and Wilfried Zaha have all spoken out on the abuse they have received.
The Premier League launched their own anti-discrimination campaign No Room For Racism prior to the 2020-21 season following support for the Black Lives Matter movement during Project Restart.
While the decision to take the knee before matches was met with unified acceptance during Project Restart following George Floyd's death in the United States in May, and the Premier League have agreed to continue it this season.
Paul Canoville and Callum Hudson-Odoi's conversation builds on Beats latest campaign, You Love Me, which celebrates Black culture and resilience. The campaign, which launched last week, discusses the disparate experience of Black artists and athletes being adored for their achievements, whilst the Black community continues to experience oppression and inequality.
Andy_Mac
0
No you can't beat Tottenham that easy.Jose is their manager not poch😅
I know that Mourinho is doing some good work at Spurs but if anything, the Chelsea game will be the toughest opponent they'll have to face this season and I'm confident enough that we will stop them in their tracks. Let them wipe out Man City.
lord_henry-14
0
Put it this way. I'm more worried about Man City competing for the title than I am about Spurs 😂 We can beat Spurs next weekend as long as we keep playing in the same manner.
No you can't beat Tottenham that easy.Jose is their manager not poch😅
Andy_Mac
0
How can you accept that to happen I don't want any London clubs to win pl these season 😂
Put it this way. I'm more worried about Man City competing for the title than I am about Spurs 😂 We can beat Spurs next weekend as long as we keep playing in the same manner.
lord_henry-14
1
Let them beat Man City 😎🙏🏻 That's one title contender out of the way. And then fate rests on our hands to deal with Spurs next weekend.
How can you accept that to happen I don't want any London clubs to win pl these season 😂
Andy_Mac
0
fçking spurs are winning against city these days😅
Let them beat Man City 😎🙏🏻 That's one title contender out of the way. And then fate rests on our hands to deal with Spurs next weekend.
lord_henry-14
1
True
fçking spurs are winning against city these days😅
Andy_Mac
0
well that's because 90%of our social media fans are dîsgräce
True
lord_henry-14
0
This is the story of Arsenal fans these days. The reality is so disgusting that all they have left these days is imagination [Crylaugh]
well that's because 90%of our social media fans are dîsgräce
Andy_Mac
0
You are deluded because you live in reality[Crylaugh]. Imagination are everything Arsenal are at the top of the table and Chelsea and Tottenham are in relegation battle.we are enjoying #coyg m8arteta
This is the story of Arsenal fans these days. The reality is so disgusting that all they have left these days is imagination [Crylaugh]
lord_henry-14
0
Nice. You are the perfect example of an Arsenal fan (Deluded in nature) [Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
You are deluded because you live in reality[Crylaugh]. Imagination are everything Arsenal are at the top of the table and Chelsea and Tottenham are in relegation battle.we are enjoying #coyg m8arteta
Andy_Mac
1
My prediction Newcastle 8-0 Chelsea👍[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Nice. You are the perfect example of an Arsenal fan (Deluded in nature) [Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
lord_henry-14
1
I think Callum will focus on his game when he needs to focus. He will put in the hard work on the training ground but just like every other professional, his voice must be heard too. Rather than discouraging the less popular players from being heard and encouraging only the big names, we should be encouraging every single one of them to come out and speak up. It will put more pressure on the authorities to do something about this and come up with a concrete plan to tackle racism. Callum didn't say that he'll walk off the pitch on his own accord but he will discuss it with his teammates and do what is best in that situation. If we truly want to fight racism, we must all stand together but more importantly, listen to everyone who is a victim of racial abuse. Abuse in itself is something that nobody can do with. It's easy to sit on an armchair and criticise someone for reacting to abusive words but I'll tell you for a fact that I wouldn't like to be abused in the workplace even if it's a client who dishes out abuse. I think no human being should be allowed to be subjected to abuse of any kind, let alone on the grounds of racism or any other forms of discrimination.
My prediction Newcastle 8-0 Chelsea👍[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Andy_Mac
1
you're getting it all wrong, I have no business with what the media is doing or trying to do, my focus is just Callum. He needs not get himself in this issue, its a distraction especially as he is such a talent trying to find his feet in the football world. It would be better for him to keep calm, focus on the game of football, avoid the temptation to go and fight racism. He doesn't need all of that distraction at this stage of his career, I know it is difficult to stay calm when you receive abuses just as a result of your skin colour but it will do his career more harm trying to fight what has been there and doesn't even look like its gonna go away any time soon. I read an article where he was willing to walk off the pitch when next he comes under abuse, trust me, as a young footballer, you dont need all this, just act as though nothing happened and concentrate on your game.quick advice is, ignore the haters, now is time to build your career, youll speak when the time is right
I think Callum will focus on his game when he needs to focus. He will put in the hard work on the training ground but just like every other professional, his voice must be heard too. Rather than discouraging the less popular players from being heard and encouraging only the big names, we should be encouraging every single one of them to come out and speak up. It will put more pressure on the authorities to do something about this and come up with a concrete plan to tackle racism. Callum didn't say that he'll walk off the pitch on his own accord but he will discuss it with his teammates and do what is best in that situation. If we truly want to fight racism, we must all stand together but more importantly, listen to everyone who is a victim of racial abuse. Abuse in itself is something that nobody can do with. It's easy to sit on an armchair and criticise someone for reacting to abusive words but I'll tell you for a fact that I wouldn't like to be abused in the workplace even if it's a client who dishes out abuse. I think no human being should be allowed to be subjected to abuse of any kind, let alone on the grounds of racism or any other forms of discrimination.
wuocilmps
3
And furthermore, if you're wondering why Hudson-Odoi hasn't been playing much this season, the player himself has revealed that he's not at full match fitness which is why Lampard is using him sparingly. We have to understand that as Chelsea fans and support him in a difficult period. That's what fans are for.
you're getting it all wrong, I have no business with what the media is doing or trying to do, my focus is just Callum. He needs not get himself in this issue, its a distraction especially as he is such a talent trying to find his feet in the football world. It would be better for him to keep calm, focus on the game of football, avoid the temptation to go and fight racism. He doesn't need all of that distraction at this stage of his career, I know it is difficult to stay calm when you receive abuses just as a result of your skin colour but it will do his career more harm trying to fight what has been there and doesn't even look like its gonna go away any time soon. I read an article where he was willing to walk off the pitch when next he comes under abuse, trust me, as a young footballer, you dont need all this, just act as though nothing happened and concentrate on your game.quick advice is, ignore the haters, now is time to build your career, youll speak when the time is right
Andy_Mac
1
it will pain me not to see him reach his potential. I don't even mind him leaving Chelsea as long he will become a great footballer but I certainly don't want him getting into stuffs that are making him loose focus on football right now
And furthermore, if you're wondering why Hudson-Odoi hasn't been playing much this season, the player himself has revealed that he's not at full match fitness which is why Lampard is using him sparingly. We have to understand that as Chelsea fans and support him in a difficult period. That's what fans are for.
Andy_Mac
1
it will pain me not to see him reach his potential. I don't even mind him leaving Chelsea as long he will become a great footballer but I certainly don't want him getting into stuffs that are making him loose focus on football right now
Bro there's something you need to realise as a fellow Chelsea fan. The media has an agenda against Chelsea. Maybe you don't believe me but just see for yourself. Read lots of news articles. They love to post negative articles about Chelsea and their players at any given opportunity even if it's based on a lie. But you won't see the same toxic behaviour by media outlets towards their darlings Man Utd, Liverpool, and Tottenham. I am not simply saying this but it's a fact. Don't just fall for the media trap. Hudson-Odoi is a target of racism because the English media tries to portray him as someone he is not. They tried the same dirty tricks on Sterling but he proved the haters wrong with his performances in the last 2-3 years and that's why they've stopped. We should support our players wholeheartedly and know the real facts. The media just want to break players from their less favoured clubs and the easiest targets are black players.
Nesaiknruy_Legend
1
Although racism won't end, its nice for Callum to take a stance. Shows how far he has come and now he is starting to mature as an individual despite all the troubles last year. I really hope he keeps up the good work on and off the pitch.
Nesaiknruy_Legend
1
just calling anyone monkey doesn't automatically makes him a monkey. No to Racism.
It depends on how you call then it and who you call it too. I call my little bro a monkey sometimes but that's in fun. But yeah when it's done in racial context its messed up
GHOST00
2
say no to racism together we stand strong 💪💪💪💪 up blues
wuocilmps
1
Don't be insensitive. The young lad knows his responsibilities as he works with a group of strong lads and top professionals. He has even hired a personal trainer to help him improve his fitness for games. And he has every right to speak up against racism. Focus on the root issue here and show him some respect.
it will pain me not to see him reach his potential. I don't even mind him leaving Chelsea as long he will become a great footballer but I certainly don't want him getting into stuffs that are making him loose focus on football right now
wuocilmps
1
Just a garbage take. You don't have to be a star to speak up
Alright, whatever but I want him to be great player. I know how talented he is. Not in support of Racism. I just think he needs to show that hunger , zeal, desire and passion to be what I know very well he can be. I want him to become the best. Distractions won't help him, so I want him to avoid distractions
Dibba1
3
Focus on your football and forget about racism because it will not end.
Andy_Mac
1
why do people still judge you on the colour of your skin that's the way you were born and we all must be proud to have your colour skin it's disgusting how many people who don't disserve this are force to endure I hope racism is taken WAY MORE SERIOUSLY
The world would be quite boring if everyone was born only as white or only as brown or only as black. We should all be proud of diversity and it's something we should all embrace instead of ridicule. The best lesson in life for any individual is to embrace the challenges but more importantly, be proud of yourself and every blessing you receive. If we remain insecure of ourselves, we become easy targets of racism. Having said that, there should be strict action against the offenders if found, perhaps by means of massive fines. I think even the worst human on Earth will give money the most importance and wouldn't like to shell out a massive amount. Unless we see such changes, we can't build fear in the minds of these racists who think they can say anything they want to anybody they want and get away with it.
Andy_Mac
1
little Odoi please focus on football for now, I don't want you to be another Charlie Musonda. When you hit stardom, the world will hear you Louder 📢
Don't be insensitive. The young lad knows his responsibilities as he works with a group of strong lads and top professionals. He has even hired a personal trainer to help him improve his fitness for games. And he has every right to speak up against racism. Focus on the root issue here and show him some respect.
LucyCrue
2
yes but the guys career is on a downward spiral, don't forget he was Englands hottest prospect alongside Sancho And Foden. But Foden and Sancho are on a completely different level now. he aint getting any younger, if I were him, I'd concentrate more on reaching the potential we all know he has
I promise speaking out about racism has nothing to do with him reaching his potential. This "shut up and dribble" idea has got to stop
mexicodegreat
0
Thank you Hudson but you need to improve in soccer
wuocilmps
1
Just a garbage take. You don't have to be a star to speak up
yes but the guys career is on a downward spiral, don't forget he was Englands hottest prospect alongside Sancho And Foden. But Foden and Sancho are on a completely different level now. he aint getting any younger, if I were him, I'd concentrate more on reaching the potential we all know he has
Mboy_Swag04
0
Respect to Hudson Odoi ✊🏿
_sk1
1
little Odoi please focus on football for now, I don't want you to be another Charlie Musonda. When you hit stardom, the world will hear you Louder 📢
Don't be unfortunate
LucyCrue
2
little Odoi please focus on football for now, I don't want you to be another Charlie Musonda. When you hit stardom, the world will hear you Louder 📢
Just a garbage take. You don't have to be a star to speak up
wuocilmps
4
little Odoi please focus on football for now, I don't want you to be another Charlie Musonda. When you hit stardom, the world will hear you Louder 📢
lord_master
2
just calling anyone monkey doesn't automatically makes him a monkey. No to Racism.
Bescdinpy
1
Nothing but LOVE ..💕 say NO to racism 🙏
one love one Hart🇯🇲🤗🤗
FuckEverything
0
The idea that racism can ever end is really laughable.The world has come a long way and will.keep improving.All the fake virtue signaling and theatrics are not changing anything but helping certain politically correct people.Us black people especially of African origin are not getting anything from it.
Its the truth, change is possible but you cant just completely make the world your la la land. Anti racism groups themselves can spark racism lol
FuckEverything
1
why do people still judge you on the colour of your skin that's the way you were born and we all must be proud to have your colour skin it's disgusting how many people who don't disserve this are force to endure I hope racism is taken WAY MORE SERIOUSLY
Racism to go away means to also forget and not even acknowledge it. Even if that happened then racism would still be brought back up.
mark_swaps_sides
5
why do people still judge you on the colour of your skin that's the way you were born and we all must be proud to have your colour skin it's disgusting how many people who don't disserve this are force to endure I hope racism is taken WAY MORE SERIOUSLY
AgarNun
3
Equality will never be there ,biasness exists just do your thing like other top Black balls Mbappe and Neymar 💥👌
Bonzhie
3
Say no to racism🙏
Ufuoma2
1
yesterday
Masonel
0
yes our boy
haubdnsz
0
The idea that racism can ever end is really laughable.The world has come a long way and will.keep improving.All the fake virtue signaling and theatrics are not changing anything but helping certain politically correct people.Us black people especially of African origin are not getting anything from it.
Boyelmyz
0
why the color of our skin creates barrier between people?? for those who support racism wherever in this world he/she must be madman and ignorant person because that is natural phenomenon.
RaiyanHasib
2
Unfortunately there will never be an end to Racism and you should also work on your attitude 🤷🏼♂️
right
BurnsMaireWildcard
2
Unfortunately there will never be an end to Racism and you should also work on your attitude 🤷🏼♂️
Legely
18
say no to racism
MhiztaSkd
5
Nothing but LOVE ..💕 say NO to racism 🙏
Wizoat
7
say no to racism
mamanrz
5