The big problem for me is that the conversation between the two players took place in Spanish. Therefore if Suarez asked Evra ''Por Que negrito?'' how can we take a word that is not used in our culture or dialect and decide it is racist? If the word is not racist in Uruguay or the Spanish language what gives us the right to decide it is in England?
In the context of the conversation it has no racial meaning.
Had the conversation between the two players been in English it would be a different matter.
I fully expect to get banned for this despite the fact this is a genuine attempt to engage you all rather than WUM.
"Negrito" does not neccesarily carry the same reputation as "negro" or the other n words in our culture as it does in South America. That is understandable. It can be used as an objective and descriptive word akin to saying "Patrice Evra is black" and would carry no offence. Similarly, it can be used as affectionately like how the n word is used between some members of the black community in urban culture in the US. Using the word "negrito" is not neccesarily a racist word, but it certainly is a reference to skin colour. And any reference to skin colour can be used to racially abuse someone regardless depending on what context it is used in.
In the context of two opposition players arguing midway through a derby match, to competely rule out any intended offence is naive. If I tell someone to shut up for instance, and then turn around and say "why, black?" I would think that they are trying to annoy me through a completely unneccessary mention of skin colour, even with a term that is not offensive. If repeated I would be certain that offence is meant. Have any of you here had an argument with someone of a different race and then for clarification pointed out the colour of their skin? Why would you unless you wanted to rile them?
This is what Suarez has been found guilty of:
* Mr Suarez used insulting words towards Mr Evra during the match contrary to FA Rule E3(1);
* The insulting words used by Mr Suarez included a reference to Mr Evra's colour within the meaning of Rule E3(2)
Using the colour of someone else's skin to provoke a rise out of someone is racial abuse. That is not to say that Suarez is a racist, who has a phobia of black people and is a card carrying member of the BNP. Racial abuse can be used to gain an advantage on the pitch rather than reflecting underlying views. However, it is still wholly unacceptable and should be punished if proven, as is the case.
If you have any criticisms of what I have said, highlight it clearly. Hopefully I won't be banned on posting of any sort of non-consensus view.
