A very subjective look into AWFC

It wouldn’t be hyperbole to say that we all have an opinion about Lauren James, her couple of incidents on the pitch and more. Today I’ll also give an opinion and will be doing so in perhaps a slight different way that what has been put out on twitter.

The main reason why I say it’s different it’s because its NOT on social media or in the form of tweets, so I have the advantage to explain my thought in longer for and it’ll allow me to at least try to add context.

The first thing I will say is that racism is never ok or acceptable, full stop. Neither is the abuse that she has gotten, without a shadow of a doubt. Even if she broke a player’s foot on purpose that wouldn’t justify any sort of racism towards her. I don’t know Lauren, I don’t particularly like her playing and I certainly dislike that she plays for Chelsea, and even then I will defend her and reject any racism, ever, against her or anyone.

We must be empathetic and kind enough to develop the means to express our feelings of disappointment or anger etc without being racist. So we can feel a certain way about the stamp and also not make it personal, and I get it’s difficult. I mean, I have VERY strong opinions about it and I actually think this was a big moment for the FA to take a stand regarding this type of situation and nip it in the bud. To say: THIS WON’T BE TOLERATED.

But I can see why they wouldn’t because of the insanity that would come about do it to a black player, and rightfully so. I’m sure there have been incidents of probably worse aggression and nothing has happened either, so to pile on the situation would be seen as very harsh, specially to a player that a lot of people consider to be the future of England.

Without involving her directly I will say though that if ANY arsenal player did that I would be angry and I would hope they would get not only red carded but banned. There should be consequences for things like these. But “should” is just my opinion. And I don’t just mean a ban, there has to be help provided to her and someone needs to explain to her why X behavior is not allowed and I doubt there are better people on planet earth to do this than Emma Hayes.

Also, that could’ve really hurt Lia and it’s pretty insane.

We are also responsible for our actions and Lauren has been involved in two incidents now that people are using to label her a certain way. She’s not a child and she just needs to learn and not do these things, and I appreciate it takes time and the right people around her but it’s all about HER. If she wants to learn, if she wants to modify her behavior, etc.

Lastly, regarding the lack of an apology from her. I definitely don’t think it’s my place to say it on twitter or anyone else, that a woman should apologize. It sounds very icky and I dislike how that feels, so I’m not going to say that she needs to do that. What is obvious though is that it would help curb the situation.

At the same time, news cycles are quick and fast and by the time the weekend comes around nobody will be talking about this… but a lot of us will be keeping an eye out for her.

I hope she overcomes this and these things don’t affect her mentally or emotionally. She has all the tools to be a world class player and we’ve seen things like these with an infinity of male players.

But holy shit that sucked… could’ve really, really hurt Lia.

I’m completely for women in football, for their success, their progress, their learning, their evolution, their mistakes, their mishaps, their struggles, their victories. EVERYTHING. I love them all and what them to succeed, and with Lauren it’s no different.

And if you don’t agree or don’t support her or “stand with her” at the very least don’t feel a need to voice it on social media. If you demand her to do better, maybe let’s start with ourselves.