Winning doesn't excuse racism

11:52am Thursday 20th September 2001

I read with amazement the article and comments by Rupert Smythe about the England v Germany football match.

I have never read such childish racism, which, if directed against some other cultures or nationalities, would have been considered illegal.

In her reply on the same page, Rachel Bradman was right to point out it was only a game and, during the past 30-odd years, a rare and exceptional result.

I served my national service in Germany during the 1950s and met only friendliness there. Probably in response to my own attitude, lacking the xenophobia of your correspondent.

I learnt the language and have returned. When I see the healthcare, care for the elderly, cleanliness, education standards, lack of vandalism, and when I return here and see German cars, washing machines, fridges, power tools (the list is endless), I find it hard to be proud to be British.

There are some bright spots of course. Our teenagers are probably best at becoming unmarried mothers, car thieves, burglers and drug users. But, how can this compare with winning a football match.

D White

Bedonwell Road

Belvedere

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