Bringing More Asians to the Turf

sclaret92 · Post by **sclaret92** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 10:41 am

I'm not one of them parody accounts from last night nor am I racist in any form whatsoever. Since Burnley has a high population of people from different ethnic backgrounds, I swear I've hardly seen any at the Turf unless it's a game against United, Liverpool or Arsenal and I'm probably right to assume there's no Asians with season tickets at the club. The club should do more in my opinion to draw in people from different ethnic backgrounds to the club at a younger age so they don't end up supporting City, Chelsea or United once they've grown up. Just a thought.

karatekid · Post by **karatekid** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 10:43 am

The problem is there aren't any spare seats

Wilsdenclaret · Post by **Wilsdenclaret** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 10:50 am

Bradford City have been trying this approach for many years with limited success

Damo · Post by **Damo** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 10:50 am

I think Muhammed on here is a season ticket holder.
The guy who thinks Andre will only score 5 or 6 all season

claretdom · Post by **claretdom** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 10:51 am

Think he deleted his account when he saw on sky sports that Gray had just scored his third against Sunderland.

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 10:51 am

Couple of issues -

A - we still have racist fans who attend matches at TM, which would/could put off a casual fan from a different racial background.
B - I'll probably get a bit of grief for this one, but the big clubs are more 'glamourous' to the young lads who's parents aren't interested in football.
Some lads from certain back grounds like their flash cars, jewellery and clothing, so supporting Burnley probably wouldn't fit in with the image they want.
C - cricket

sclaret92 · Post by **sclaret92** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 10:51 am

Wilsdenclaret wrote:Bradford City have been trying this approach for many years with limited success

I've heard that it's worked for Wolves though

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 10:52 am

Blackburn have a higher population of Asians then Burnley and they don't really attract many.
They've even got a prayer room to try and accomodate their religious needs.

Lancasterclaret · Post by **Lancasterclaret** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 10:55 am

Pretty sure the bloke who regularly ends up next to me for the half time ****, with his NF badges wouldn't be too happy.

sclaret92 · Post by **sclaret92** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 10:55 am

Sidney1st wrote:Couple of issues -

A - we still have racist fans who attend matches at TM, which would/could put off a casual fan from a different racial background.
B - I'll probably get a bit of grief for this one, but the big clubs are more 'glamourous' to the young lads who's parents aren't interested in football.
Some lads from certain back grounds like their flash cars, jewellery and clothing, so supporting Burnley probably wouldn't fit in with the image they want.
C - cricket

I doubt that the racist fans would do anything to a fellow supporter regardless of their background. You have a good point with the second bullet point and the third point is more applicable to the older people from different ethnic backgrounds, don't think many of the younger ones like Cricket at all but that's my thinking.

Rick_Muller · Post by **Rick_Muller** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:01 am

We'll have more chance of attracting fans from any ethnic background if we remain in the Premier League - the success will attract them along with others who wouldn't normally attend. I personally don't think the club should be making any specific effort to attract fans from any specific ethnic background over and above what they already do in the community with the local schools etc.

Sid alluded to one issue which will be raised again and again until it is no longer an issue (generations away I think) and that is the racist fans that do attend football putting some people off attending - and that will take time to sort out across the footballing world but my hope is that with more ethnic people attending because we're successful, we will hopefully accelerate resolving this for us in the longer term.

Bin Ont Turf · Post by **Bin Ont Turf** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:02 am

sclaret92 wrote:I'm not one of them parody accounts from last night

You were well in with them sickos last night and should really be disposed of.

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:03 am

sclaret92 wrote:I doubt that the racist fans would do anything to a fellow supporter regardless of their background. You have a good point with the second bullet point and the third point is more applicable to the older people from different ethnic backgrounds, don't think many of the younger ones like Cricket at all but that's my thinking.

They probably wouldn't do anything to a fellow supporter, but I doubt they'd want to stand there and listen to it.

MACCA · Post by **MACCA** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:03 am

Not sure what you mean by more Asians.

But I have seen quite a few people from different backgrounds on the Turf varying in skin colour, gender and ethnicity.

( sat in the cricketfield too where all the "hooligans, thugs, homophobics and racists" sit )

NottsClaret · Post by **NottsClaret** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:07 am

Jeez.. is everything to do with 'race' now. Can't we just be happy we're getting lots of people to the Turf at the moment.

dsr · Post by **dsr** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:07 am

It's a long way to Asia. Istanbul is the nearest point, and I doubt we'd get many from there on a regular basis.

Let's concentrate on British supporters, shall we? Whatever their ancestry.

JarrowClaret · Post by **JarrowClaret** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:10 am

Every Club has Racist fans it is unfortunately in some peoples DNA and isn't just Burnley that suffer from it. The main stumbling block apart from the perceived racism is they want to be supporting a big team if you don't have a dad/ mom to take you when younger you tend to go big rather than local I guess. I have seen more on when I go recently but certainly not enough

3putt · Post by **3putt** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:10 am

Why?
Asians are perfectly entitled to buy a ticket (subject to availability) if they want one.

Can't see why we need to make a special effort to attract any particular race or colour.

Quite a number of Polish people now settled I the area. Surely they should be included in your sentiment?

Blackrod · Post by **Blackrod** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:10 am

More people from different thing backgrounds than ever before at Turf Moor which is a good thing but seems noticeable everytime we are on the Premier League.
You will never tap into a large scale additional support. The cultural differences, attractions to different things such as bling, not buying into the tradition and history and the fact they will not spend the money all come into it.

basil6345789 · Post by **basil6345789** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:10 am

Can't see it happening in this region, a high level of self imposed segregation goes on, whereas part of going on the Turf is about kinsmanship. The cost is an issue too.
I still see a lot of young Asian cricketers. Was watching grandson at foot training on Queens Park and a fair few turned up for a cricket knock about and it's hardly cricket time yet - very keen methinks

Il Duce · Post by **Il Duce** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:11 am

Going back to our first season in the Prem there was a promising number of young Asian fans located in the Jimmy Mac lower stand, they were part of a Daneshouse sports group led by a couple of older Asian men who worked with local sport in the community groups. Obviously that coincides with the glamour of Premier League football but they did maintain attendance for a couple of seasons afterwards.

Admittedly their number has since dwindled over the last couple of seasons but it does show that a community-based initiative could have an impact if it is organised and maintained effectively.

You can't watch Champions League football these days without seeing the 'No to Racism' campaign, that should apply both on the field and in the stands. Ridiculous that it should be an issue.

basil6345789 · Post by **basil6345789** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:11 am

Meant foot training, sorry

basil6345789 · Post by **basil6345789** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:12 am

Footy

Quickenthetempo · Post by **Quickenthetempo** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:16 am

There are quite a few Asian fans attend regular home and away. Most Asians I know like value for money and paying for football as a new customer with no ties isn't value for money.

dpinsussex · Post by **dpinsussex** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:21 am

Sidney1st wrote:Blackburn have a higher population of Asians then Burnley and they don't really attract many.
They've even got a prayer room to try and accomodate their religious needs.

Blackburn dont attract many of any type of fan irresepective of creed.

sclaret92 · Post by **sclaret92** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:21 am

Bin Ont Turf wrote:You were well in with them sickos last night and should really be disposed of.

I didn't find any of the blind or death jokes particularly funny so I highly doubt it

sclaret92 · Post by **sclaret92** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:24 am

3putt wrote:Why?
Asians are perfectly entitled to buy a ticket (subject to availability) if they want one.

Can't see why we need to make a special effort to attract any particular race or colour.

Quite a number of Polish people now settled I the area. Surely they should be included in your sentiment?

Was only pointing out that despite burnleys high population of ethnic minorities, not many are seen at the turf. Polish and Asians are included in the same bracket.

Bin Ont Turf · Post by **Bin Ont Turf** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:29 am

sclaret92 wrote:I didn't find any of the blind or death jokes particularly funny so I highly doubt it

So it was a coincidence that you logged in exactly when the other 4/5 did, and posted on their threads and liked some of their posts.

Righty oh then.

Rileybobs · Post by **Rileybobs** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:31 am

We've already tried to stamp out racism from the stands and introduced Balti pies but these incentives haven't worked. What we need to do is bring in a rule which says that for every, say, 5 white British season ticket holders we must have an Asian season ticket holder.

MACCA · Post by **MACCA** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:37 am

Like that manager and police interview rule?

Jambo · Post by **Jambo** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:39 am

A few of the posts on this thread are probably a hint why more non-white people don't go to the Turf. Plus it isn't that long since I've heard our own players being racially abused by their own supporters and this season we've had someone chucked out for racial abuse too, albeit at a friendly.

Last I heard, the club was doing good community work in some of Burnley's predominantly Asian areas. The reality is these things take a lot of time and there's no easy solution, so it'll be slow and steady progress. But the goal should be that everyone feels welcome and safe at Turf Moor, regardless of their colour, race, sexuality, disability etc

Realistically, most BFC fans probably got taken to games by a family member and caught the bug from there - supporting a club typically gets passed on through the generations.

CombatClaret · Post by **CombatClaret** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:46 am

Change will come when a lot of the people currently around are dead and the children who grew up in a globally connected world and see nationalism as a WWI hangover can get on with things.

BFCmaj · Post by **BFCmaj** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:49 am

My wife is of Asian heritage and used to come on a lot of games but got fed up with the amount if racist remarks. As a result she doesn't come on any more and is reluctant to let any of our 3 children go as well. I must admit, I still notice things being said and it embarrasses me.

gandhisflipflop · Post by **gandhisflipflop** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:54 am

sclaret92 wrote:I'm not one of them parody accounts from last night nor am I racist in any form whatsoever. Since Burnley has a high population of people from different ethnic backgrounds, I swear I've hardly seen any at the Turf unless it's a game against United, Liverpool or Arsenal and I'm probably right to assume there's no Asians with season tickets at the club. The club should do more in my opinion to draw in people from different ethnic backgrounds to the club at a younger age so they don't end up supporting City, Chelsea or United once they've grown up. Just a thought.

Are you referring to chinese people japanese people etc or the PC term we use nowadays to call people from Pakistan?

Tuddybfc · Post by **Tuddybfc** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:59 am

I agree some effort should be made but likewise there are no restrictions on any ethnicity buying tickets, so if people don't want to come what can you do? An Asian friend of mine has had a season ticket for the past several seasons and recently came to an away match and as you'd expect didn't suffer any abuse, but some of our fans do seem to live in the dark ages so I could understand being worried as a minority coming on the turf, which is sad to think

LS7 · Post by **LS7** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:59 am

I've always thought the club should do more in terms of 'affirmative action' e.g. Making sure Asian faces are included in promotional material like modelling the junior kit. Although I'm a bit disconnected so maybe that is happening these days.

Tuddybfc · Post by **Tuddybfc** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 12:00 pm

sclaret92 wrote:I didn't find any of the blind or death jokes particularly funny so I highly doubt it

Calm down BOT internet detective, just because he was interacting with the posts doesn't put him in the same bracket, fairly obvious from a normal thread like this he's just a genuine supporter, strange how you question him but not threads about people'a boilers or Lilly Allen?

Stan Tastic · Post by **Stan Tastic** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 12:05 pm

Rileybobs wrote:We've already tried to stamp out racism from the stands and introduced Balti pies but these incentives haven't worked. What we need to do is bring in a rule which says that for every, say, 5 white British season ticket holders we must have an Asian season ticket holder.

And if we don't get the Asian season ticket holders we just have to put up with the ground being five sixths full?

Genius.

keith1879 · Post by **keith1879** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 12:12 pm

BFCmaj wrote:My wife is of Asian heritage and used to come on a lot of games but got fed up with the amount if racist remarks. As a result she doesn't come on any more and is reluctant to let any of our 3 children go as well. I must admit, I still notice things being said and it embarrasses me.

This is really sad to see but not surprising - I hear plenty of unacceptable remarks being casually tossed around in the area where I sit. Why don't I do anything about it? Too embarassed to make a scene I suppose and in the end there is nobody around me who will be directly affected. BFCMaj does us a great service by confirming that there really is a problem. I wish I had any idea of the solution.

HatfieldClaret · Post by **HatfieldClaret** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 12:22 pm

There are Asian football teams/leagues in the area, apparently. The club should give some free tickets to the kids, if they don't already, and get them hooked that way.

evensteadiereddie · Post by **evensteadiereddie** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 12:35 pm

Sidney1st wrote:Blackburn have a higher population of Asians then Burnley and they don't really attract many.
They've even got a prayer room to try and accomodate their religious needs.

The prayer room's more likely to try and accommodate Rovers' "Save us from relegation" needs................

Brucefanclaret · Post by **Brucefanclaret** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 12:54 pm

Free tickets for kids is a good method for getting young supporters, whatever their ethnicity - City used it at my son's primary school when we lived in South Manchester. He, sadly, became a City fan as a result - but I have managed to get him to see the light and he now follows Burnley if he follows any club. (Cricket is his game) But JarrowClaret has point - if your mum/dad don't take you, you're less likely to go to football unless a teacher is prepared to give up their Saturday.

ClaretAndJew · Post by **ClaretAndJew** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 1:06 pm

Has there been an influx in Asian people WANTING to come on the Turf?

If not, then why are we even addressing it?

I always find these sort of ideas counter productive, "Let's get X amount of "X race/sex" to do this/that/the other" etc. Is it really an issue? Did we have a drive to get women to come onto the Turf?

People suggest that because there's a large Pakistani/Indian etc population there should be more on the games. Really though? Why? Is there a drive to get more white people to go to cricket matches in India?

Maybe I don't understand the purpose. Maybe it's more of an issue than I see. But surely, if they wanted it, they would come. After all, the club has been around for 134 years.

AccyClaret · Post by **AccyClaret** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 1:13 pm

How does the % of Asian ST holders compare to the % of Asians in the catchment area. I expect they are pretty close and would be a good measure.

An Asian friend of mine and his kids are arm chair united fans but got half ST at the turf the last time we were pushing for the prem and have been hooked since.

fatboy47 · Post by **fatboy47** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 1:17 pm

BFCmaj wrote:My wife is of Asian heritage and used to come on a lot of games but got fed up with the amount if racist remarks. As a result she doesn't come on any more and is reluctant to let any of our 3 children go as well. I must admit, I still notice things being said and it embarrasses me.

Best stay in the house if it's a perfect world you're after.

NRC · Post by **NRC** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 1:18 pm

I find it very sad that some have chosen to try to pick apart the OP's content, displaying their own ignorance of the difference between race and ethnicity. It's unnecessary provocation within an interesting topic, whereas the OP wasn't provocative with his/her subject matter. He/she addressed multi-ethnicity up front (derived from race), and then honed in on Asian ethnicity as an example, probably because it's the 2nd largest ethnic population on a local basis.

The point of at some time someone in a family needs to start the tradition/practice of following a club is well made, and it does require targeted community work and incentives, and I think we should.

Karen Brady did a great job of attracting ethnic minorities in Birmingham, and I would be really interested to see the data on racial mix at Arsenal/Spurs and other London teams, and that's because London in itself is now in reality an ethnic melting pot of various races.

ClaretAndJew · Post by **ClaretAndJew** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 1:19 pm

9.9% of Burnley is Muslim. 0.2% is Hindu. You would imagine the majority are of Pakistani and Indian descent, though of course there's a good number of Pakistani Christians too.

87% are white, so with circa 21k people going on to the Turf is roughly just over 30% of the total population, they all won't be white Burnley born and bred, so it probably makes sense.

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 1:24 pm

I didn't think new fans were allowed after all the fuss from May 09

Paul Waine · Post by **Paul Waine** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 1:33 pm

Tuddybfc wrote:Calm down BOT internet detective, just because he was interacting with the posts doesn't put him in the same bracket, fairly obvious from a normal thread like this he's just a genuine supporter, strange how you question him but not threads about people'a boilers or Lilly Allen?

Hi Tuddy, I'm waiting in now for my central heating to be fixed. I will most definitely welcome the "gas fitter" without any regards to race, gender or other diversity issues.

Likewise, I'm happy to join with all Burnley fans in wanting Turf Moor (and all away venues) in "kicking out" all negative sterotypes - and making everyone welcome, as above, without any regards to race, gender or other diversity issues.

UTC

aggi · Post by **aggi** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 1:33 pm

I think quite a number are of Bangladeshi descent too.

In terms of why we should be doing it: we're not always going to be selling out to our current customers, any new market we should look to exploit.

The best way of doing it is probably the easiest in terms of what current fans want, and that is by staying in the premier league and being successful. The more we keep that up, the more new fans will view watching Burnley as an attractive proposition.