Brit-Asian footballer shares his thoughts with The Asian Today
WALSALL-born Netan Sansara packed his bags and moved to Cyprus over the summer after putting pen to paper on a deal with PAEEK FC. In doing so he became the first British Asian player to feature in the Cypriot League.
In a series of Exclusive Columns with The Asian Today, Netan gives us his thoughts this month on…
… Racism in the Premier League
The Football Association have taken a hardline approach when dealing with Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.
It’s a difficult situation because it’s one person’s word against another but as a Liverpool fan I am disappointed – not at the FA’s action, but at Suarez himself.
… His own progress at Paeek FC
My personal goals for 2012 are to continue to play every game this campaign, to help the team get promoted, to continue enjoying my football and maintain my form. Then next season who knows – my agent has had a few phone calls already so I must be doing something right!
Major race issues have hit the headlines in football recently, and to be honest I’m absolutely disgusted by it.
How people still think in this manner is beyond me. As a fellow professional to see players like John Terry and Luis Suarez charged with using racist language towards another player is disappointing.
The Football Association have taken a hardline approach when dealing with Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.
It’s a difficult situation because it’s one person’s word against another but as a Liverpool fan I am disappointed – not at the FA’s action, but at Suarez himself.
He should know better in my opinion – he should be knowledgeable enough to know that offensive word he is alleged to have used is not tolerated in England. For me the 8 game ban and £40,000 fine is not good enough. He has been charged and for me he should be banned for the whole season – this would show that the FA are taking a strong stance on the issue and do not tolerate it in any circumstance. Personally I think Suarez has got off lightly.
Another player making the headlines for all the wrong reasons is Chelsea and England captain John Terry.
The Terry issue again should be dealt with the same way I believe Suarez should be dealt with – maximum punishment. The way he was stripped of the captaincy with the Wayne Bridge saga should have been permanent and he should never have been reinstated – it showed a lack of respect to Wayne Bridge, other fellow professionals and set a bad example to youngsters who look up to him.
The way he was reinstated as captain was a disgrace. Now he has been charged by the Crown Prosecution Service with using a racist slur towards a fellow professional – he should be stripped of the captaincy and maximum punishment should be served. John Terry has been in trouble so many times in the past and the England national team need an honest and trustworthy captain.
Race issues aside, the season has gone well for me so far – I’ve played in all 15 games and I’ve been happy with my form. Consistency is key and while I usually operate at left back the coach asked me to slot in at centre half and I’ve enjoyed it.
It’s always good to be able to play numerous positions and I’ve done well. It was a big challenge moving to another country to pursue my career but I’ve enjoyed every minute so far and long may it continue. The people have been great and my team mates have been welcoming. Cyprus is a lovely place.
We’re currently fifth in the League – just 2 points outside the play offs so we’re still on target for the goal we set at the start of the season which is promotion. So far our defence has been solid but our lack of goals has been a concern. It’s hard to keep the back door shut for 90 minutes but if we do we need to score at the other end to win and kill off games. Hopefully in the January transfer window we can get a new striker on board to bang the goals that will send us up!
My personal goals for 2012 are to continue to play every game this campaign, to help the team get promoted, to continue enjoying my football and maintain my form. Then next season who knows – my agent has had a few phone calls already so I must be doing something right! With God’s blessing all will be well.
2012 is also going to be a brilliant year for sport in Britain.
The Olympic Games and the European Championships will really wet the appetite of all sporting fans across the country.
The Olympics will be a great boost for the country and I can definitely see a lot of our athletes getting their hands on Gold medals.
As for the Euros, as always I will be rooting for England – we always tend to struggle in competitions but hopefully with a new crop of youth and energy they can fire us to silverware…COME ON ENGLAND!
All readers I hope you had a fab Christmas and a great New Year – hopefully you’re all still keeping your New Year’s resolutions! Until my next blog – take care and keep supporting me.
