Coach wrote:
The racial nature of the post is irrefutable, whether intended as banter or not is irrelevant, the reference is disparaging to a particular group of people. That said, there is need for context, what has gone before this posting, perhaps in the private jabs shared between them? What if Mendy has shared “jokes” mocking or rather slurring Silva’s ethnicity? If this how “friends banter” then ‘tis best reserved for an arena where it is understood and interpreted in said context? Bernardo was foolish to publicise his post and deserves the punishment that comes.
Racism is many limbed and broad spectrum. Overt, covert, implied, deliberate, unintentional and all in between. Regardless of the variety, the common denominator remains the remark and derogation directed at an individual as a consequence of their race and colour. Once upon a time, Mourinho mocked Samuel Eto’o’s age, questioning the validity of his claims, a conclusion hinged entirely on stereotype and bigoted opinion of black Africa. How many times were the ages of Ricardo Carvalho and Arjen Robben questioned, despite both resembling Benjamin Button in their “20s” apparently. Rather than condemn the accusation, the good folk of Black Africa danced. Wonderful.
are we talking about age cheats or the joke intending for personal consumption? Bernardo will likely get fined by the FA, they will be keen to use him an example, i think its dangerous to accuse people of being racist when we dont know them personally, back in the days, what could pass as banter between friends is seen as politically incorrect these days, something i stress Bernardo should have been aware of, stupid yes, naive yes, Racist? sorry i cannot answer that question