Quick question on rascism

[hammerman]

Can anyone tell me if the term "pikey" is classed as rascist.

Thanks.

[exdc]

Another issue is the very open definition of a 'rascist incident' , ... any incident which is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person."

[flip_flop]

Far be it for me to question the CPS, but race and nationality necessarilly are not the same.

If a Welshman were to be call me an English bastard - is this racism? I certainly wouldn't consider it to be be.

[exdc]

Hi Flip-flop

I would say that would amount to a racist incident according to the definition and could amount to a racially aggravated crime (only certain criminal offences can be racially aggravavted, such as assault, criminal damage and a few others).

[exdc]

Hammerman

You could contact your 'Diversity Unit' (or similar) and ask them to confirm whether the term 'pikey' is classed as racist.

[hammerman]

Thanks guys...very interesting.

However, my original point was a football related one. My team...West Ham, have been accused of homophobic chants when they played Brighton last week. This happens at every game Brighton play at and 99% of the Brighton fans give as good as they get in return and see it as a bit of footy banter.

However, there was a few Brighton fans who were a bit offended by it and have reported West Ham to the FA.

Now Brighton fans are quite happy to call certain teams fans "pikeys" or sheep sh*ggers when referring to Cardiff fans etc etc.

I wans just wondering if the term Pikey could be classed as racist.

Thanks

[exdc]

Hi Hammerman

Your examples fit the definition of Racialist chanting at football matches. The offence of racialist chanting is committed when a person or group of people repeatedly utter words or sounds of a racialist nature at a designated football match defined as a match between teams from the Premier League, the Football League or the Conference League. "Racialist" means the same as racist.