Ron Atkinson - Big Ron - Am I A Racist? - BBC documentary

Ron Atkinson - Big Ron - Am I A Racist? - BBC documentary

[@Weirjetwashing]

The absolute irony of max clifford talking about someone being in the wrong 😂😂😂😂

[@Onmysheet]

Complete sociopath!

[@philkearney0577]

That motherfuckas toast😆

[@TokyoJoe703]

Rest in piss

[@TheWelwyn21]

I'm getting the word NONCE

[@CARLIN4737]

Dead now like Rons career.

[@bobstar6837]

"Who wants tea, who wants coffee?" I will take a coffee Ron and make it black... " Not in my fookin house you won't!"

[@cicstommy]

😂😂😂😂

[@TheGreatestPlayerInTheWorld]

Bahahaha quality 😂

[@sabtiy80]

Amazing comment😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Buckblacket]

Atkinson was quoted as saying "How can I be a racist? I drink gallons of Um Bongo and some of my best shoes are black"!

[@littlebrayutd]

😂😂😂😂

[@r4h4al]

He comes off terribly in this documentary it's like he's justifying being racist by making more racist comments and just keeps digging and digging so to speak.

[@luckyboy407]

That's hilarious 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂

[@awake3460]

Lol

[@dogshitonastick4008]

He has a black cat too! Cant be racist 🙄

[@robicenco1]

This does feel like an Alan Partridge special.

[@mustafarussell]

Fi real. Racist Ron, now he's gone

[@royfr8136]

Definitely... back of the net.

[@CC-ff7ft]

🤣🤣🤣🤣👍

[@09stevebull]

Partridge visits usa 🇺🇸 lol

[@simonedgbaston]

😂

[@BlueLeopard200]

"Apparently I made the alleged remark." Ron Atkinson Yeah the one on tape.

[@michaelkitchin9665]

"I didn't swear." Then Chiles pipes in saying he did. Amazing.

[@socco69]

It seems he's still in some state of denial. That's what's damaging to how he comes off in this documentary. "Apparently I made the alleged remark." and "I didn't swear." are comments that just indicate he still hasn't fully accepted and owned exactly what he said.

[@andysmith8890]

@@socco69 yes because he is wrong on both counts....he is lying

[@nigefal]

@@socco69 One they didn't do which I am surprised they didn't was play what he said back to Ron. On the one hand he says he didn't remember saying it. Then on the other he says he didn't swear or alleged it happened.

[@simoneconneff4086]

I think Frank Skinner hits the nail on the head when he says "you can debate is Ron Atkinson racist but what he said about Marcel Desailly WAS racist". Attributing racism to words and actions is more constructive than arguing whether people are or aren't.

[@racefirstunialondon3323]

RON IS A WHITE SUPREMACIST.

[@MisAnnThorpe]

@do br That is not what Simone Conneff was saying. Reading what your wrote, I would imagine that she has you down as a racist, sexist homophobe!

[@phillipbrainy2578]

Im openly racist and homophobic. And big Ron was right, Desailly was shite that night in Monaco

[@glazersout6101]

Thats why Birmingham is a shithole

[@racefirstunialondon3323]

@Paul Nelson You seem like a white supremacist suspect.

[@liamjones9115]

When a completely random video shows up in your algorithm! And of course I will watch it in full

[@fka_the_body1542]

It would be rude not too😏

[@Onmysheet]

I'm trying to find the video where Olivia Lee gives him the middle finger at the golf course and he is just sitting there paralysed with anger. lol

[@rs-vp7re]

It's not a random algorithm

[@liamjones9115]

@@rs-vp7re if you say so chief

[@Spoonbill_88]

@@rs-vp7re ok nerd

[@Bennyboy12]

Atkinson himself faced a lot of prejudices for being orange in colour.

[@djpeekay25]

Pony boy Curtis LOL!

[@mauriceguiney1200]

Curtis.....🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Rezmund]

Adored by oompa loompas the world over

[@johnkeane5641]

He's a cousin of the man from delmonte

[@PabloM-ny1vd]

I thought he was more mahogany

[@jamesvickers5998]

Ron's defence seems to be based solely on that he brought through "the three degrees" at WBA thus helping to breakdown racial barriers in sports, and that he was the only manager doing it. The trouble is that it's not really true: Ron didn't sign Regis or Cunningham for Albion, they were already there, though he did sign Batson (who was with him at Cambridge) and later Remi Moses. Ron saw a great marketing opportunity to put his club in the public eye with the three degrees nickname and the legend of Ron being a racial pioneer was born. As for other clubs in the late 70s: Man City had Roger Palmer, Dave Bennett, Gary Bennett and Alex Williams; Port Vale had Neville and Mark Chamberlain, later Mark Bright; Chris Hughton then Garth Crookes at Spurs, Luther Blisset and John Barnes at Watford, Ricky Hill and Brian Stein at Luton, George Berry and Bob Hazel at Wolves, so Ron was far from the only one.

[@mcfcguvnors]

Used to watch Roger Palmer at Maine road

[@jamesvickers5998]

@@mcfcguvnors any good?

[@normanby100]

Leeds beat them all with Albert Johanson. Dirty Leeds were quite woke for their time.

[@jamesvickers5998]

@@normanby100 Paul Reaney too.

[@johnkeane5641]

I saw Alex Williams painting his fence last week on didsbury road

[@sammyod101]

I think the N word is used more in this documentary than a Snoop Dogg record or maybe even a Tarantino movie

[@bonglesnodkins329]

Before we all became moronic coddled children, it used to be possible to discuss that word in the context of debates about racism.

[@rossboyer8879]

Being with Chelsea fans before the Monaco game obviously rubbed off on him

[@developer101]

Ross Boyer so true...

[@alanjohnson4637]

A number of the Chelsea fans probably rubbed off on him too .....

[@1958david1]

What bag of shit do you support then?

[@pjthapa4162]

A few fans are Racist. Not everyone.

[@WorldCupWillie]

Not all, but a lot. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHPIlo2MmZuoqKs

[@bigt5512]

“It was a black day” “Shouldn’t say that really should I” effin hell!

[@Noresearchneeded]

Bigt 55 🤦‍♂️

[@brayo001]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@shaunb9876]

I pissed myself laughing at that bit 😂

[@forrestblevins6852]

Jeeeeeesus

[@joankersting2358]

Don’t be daft! Race hatred is easy to spot, always coming from an ignorant boob deeply insecure. Some things are quite simple.

[@lovelondon806]

And this is when I apparently made the alleged remark......... he couldn’t give a toss

[@garethcullen9604]

Lol

[@forrestblevins6852]

“This is where I was when I uttered that aberration.” Oh that was the only time I’ve ever said that in my life. I don’t even remember saying it. Doesn’t seem like he does

[@melvyns1975]

Throughout the whole program I just felt he was bitter for getting caught and didnt really seem apologetic

[@sugs1191]

He is not racist imo

[@melvyns1975]

@@sugs1191 so racially insulting someone doesn't mean you're a racist?

[@sugs1191]

@@melvyns1975 no

[@neillp3827]

@@melvyns1975 there is a difference between racially discriminating against people in life and work and making an ignorant thick comment maybe to curry favour with the company your in.

[@sas22thebest48]

So true, bitter , arrogant, and showed no remorse

[@BillyBronco73]

Somebody should have told Ron to stop digging.

[@markt804]

This documentary did more more bad than good and probably drove the last nail home in Ron's career.

[@daveeol1987]

Haha the old bring him back in from the cold routine didn't pan out too well

[@AnthonyMonaghan]

Good.

[@sas22thebest48]

Exactly, made the truth of his attitude come swimming to the surface

[@CARLIN4737]

Thats a bit Iffy?

[@jonjone661]

“Either had to be all or nothing for my money.”

[@alanthe2]

That was the strangest opening segment for a documentary on such a serious a topic as this.

[@AndrewCharles1]

Stupid comment

[@conorsmith8551]

This has the feel of a channel 5 documentary and yet it was done by bbc 😂😂

[@spudthejackrussell86]

If this was meant to support the fact he’s not a racist then it has backfired !!! So much self pity and an apology that is only said in the hope his career is resurrected, the bloke interviewing him at the end is absolutely spot on and deserves a pint 🍻

[@jamiejosh96]

Oh have a day off, the race baiting nutter deserves credit

[@gruphenio6787]

Adrian Chiles…that guy made the odd racist comment in his football commentary, and also got sacked.

[@michae13james10]

“Do you define yourself as English first Or Jamaican first ? “ “ neither ..... I define myself as John Barnes”

[@johannesvonsaaz3987]

That was class like

[@DB-qj5kt]

Bet if he couldn’t make the England team he’d be Jamaican

[@johnkeane5641]

I like john he's a nice guy i met him in Amsterdam years ago he liked the ladies

[@johnkeane5641]

@@DB-qj5kt but he did make the England team

[@johnkeane5641]

And your point is ?

[@konorhalpin]

Keep judging and you'll be judged too. Everyone deserves a second chance.

[@kdlofty]

One of the cuff comment, does NOT make him a racist. Daft comment? Yes, Is he a racist? No.

[@r4h4al]

Yes it does. Remember people were quick to hang John Terry out to dry when he said the N word which ironically wasn't racist at all, but that's another matter.

[@kdlofty]

@@r4h4al Did you actually the full John Terry comment? Not the edited one? Clearly not.

[@r4h4al]

@@kdlofty What was the full comment I strongly doubt it was racist?

[@deanjames5130]

He is definitely a racist

[@r4h4al]

@@deanjames5130 Terry isn't. Saying the N word in a passive way doesn't make you racist. Otherwise that makes all black people that say it racist by that logic.

[@thecornedbeefcouncil9792]

All he had to say was “I’M not calling him a n****r, I’m saying what people MAY have called him when I started managing....I shouldn’t have said it but it was said without thinking” etc. All this “I’ve apologised enough” makes him sound like he feels he’s the victim now. That isn’t going to wash.

[@troywright359]

It's honestly sad

[@pejpm]

‘Alleged’. What is he talking about??

[@stuartkerr9478]

looking forward to Adrian Chiles' retrospective documentary on whether his Ron Atkinson racism documentary was in itself racist

[@5uper5kill3rz]

100% twitter would say so, can’t say the N word if you’re white these days regardless of context, can’t even read of mice and men in English lessons soon, I bet you

[@louduva9849]

CANCEL ADRIAN CHILES

[@Mac-rf5wf]

Then sometime into the future they'll have to make another documentary exploring whether Chiles' retrospective documentary on whether his Ron Atkinson racism documentary was in itself racist, was in itself racist.

[@rohithraman6488]

@@Mac-rf5wf And the cycle continues

[@buzzin_fly7509]

If they think that's racist they need to put Leo do caprio up for life imprisonment for his role in Django Unchained

[@barrymcmahon469]

"Thrown it away by sheer stupidity" You said it Ron!

[@MisAnnThorpe]

Yes, but the real stupidity was agreeing to make this hatchet job of a "documentary" and believing that those ever so unbiased peadophiles at the PPC would give him a fair hearing. Otherwise, given a few years, most people (like you) would've forgotten all about "Racist Ron" and he would probably have been rehabilitated.

[@andyhornhornhorn]

Ron reminds me of Feech Lamanna from The Sopranos

[@pickleboy487]

I thought frank Lopez if he had an 80s stache

[@irieite9666]

"This Gardiner..... Does he trim the hair on your balls too?"

[@Scallion_D]

@@pickleboy487 lol. Good shout.

[@peterfawkes350]

agreed

[@gar651527]

Now do yourself a fucking favour.....

[@mrvarus8957]

The most hilarious documentary i have ever seen.

[@pauliepaul3697]

And hypocritical at the same time very ironic really

[@lakmeister]

Not if your black asshole!

[@nickm8874]

@@pauliepaul3697you don’t really understand either of those words do you. Just Chuck em about and hope nobody notices

[@pauliepaul3697]

@@nickm8874 come down se London some time you might change your tune 🙄 And I do understand them words believe me You wouldn't last a year in se London i wonder why hypocrite!

[@markellsamuels5991]

I'm black and my brother used to play for Aston Villa, I met Big Ron one evening at Villa Park with my dad & Mr Atkinson couldn't have been more warm, kind, friendly & accommodating if he tried. As I've gotten older and have had a lot of experiences in my life with regards to colour I've learnt not to throw Racism at every incident involving stupidity & race and believe me there are a lot of stupid people out there. I tend to judge people on their intent and not what comes out of their mouths, we all say a lot of stupid shit, I called someone a stupid faggot the other day cuz they broke a string on my guitar not thinking for a moment that I have gay friends & how would they feel if they heard me say that. What made me really mad with big Ron was his comments afterwards when he said I can't be racist I've signed black players & I have many black friends, note to white people never say this to a black person because even the white slave owner had black slaves working in his house. If I could have given him any advice at the time it would have been ' say sorry, shut the fuck up & move on.

[@NeroAngelo616]

You fat stinking hypocrite. It's concerning to you when you think if you were do it but if Ron sticks to his guns and shows his innocence it's different then. Woke culture in a nutshell. This whole thing has been an entire black comedy.

[@CaymanIslandsCatWalks]

I met him in Dubai and gotta say the same about him. Up the villa!

[@garethpauljones1]

Great comment Mark.

[@kdlofty]

Brilliant mature and open answer. Looking at your name was your brother J Lloyd?

[@eire3215]

Well said Mark...i dont think there was any malice in what he said cos hes a big joker really. Life of the party..its sad this ruined his job life.

[@mikegattotv]

He could have totally sorted everything out by admitting what he said was racist and showing genuine desire to learn from his mistakes... (even if he didn't mean it) - Instead he basically denies any wrong doing and comes across ignorant and un-remorseful ... Missed opportunity Ron.

[@nickm8874]

He was kind of remorseful and apologetic … and then that young American college student told him she calls her mates ****a …. And it set him off! Hahaha

[@MB-hz3rt]

Top bloke old Ron Atkinson legend of the game people will miss him when he's gone , he was a brilliant cup commentator him and Brian Moore champions league games together tv gold good old days , first victim of wokeness

[@MB-hz3rt]

All is ok for another black to call each other a nigger , Eminem sings about it , a great character of the game ruined because of wokeness

[@nicknack3648]

Funniest documentary ive seen in a long time 😂

[@TheIkaraCult]

"This is a museum of racist memorobilia, if Ron is tired of hearing the N word, this is probably the last place he should be" I was dying when I heard that one 😂

[@junaldinho100]

As a black man I must say that I myself have used racial slurs, insults and jokes to other races, including myself. It’s pretty hypocritical that people are condemning others for using “racial slurs” when we’ve all done and said it. I’d be a massive hypocrite had I slated Atkinson for this

[@alanbrady7116]

Honesty.

[@Hubertbebe93]

Priince Brvce_LUHG_ well done mate he never meant it he’s from a older time I don’t think what he sayed was rite it’s was rotten but he’s sayed his sorry and still getting slaughtered in 2020

[@junaldinho100]

Dnomyar Akunawik I somewhat agree. However, if your apology is sincere, then I feel there’s no need to hold it against them for the rest of their lives.

[@Hubertbebe93]

He was defo rong for what he sayed it’s rotten man

[@idesireit31]

Nope you're just a bounty

[@EDFilmsUK]

16:58 “The two coloured players combining beautifully there” Imagine if they said that now...

[@brettworrallo395]

Motson

[@rohithraman6488]

Imagine if Big Ron was a commentator for the England/Italy shootout

[@bonglesnodkins329]

Back in the 80s this was actually the recommended non-racist terminology. It changes all the time.

[@chrisbennett606]

I am black and I couldn't care less about it I like Ron Atkinson Look at all the recruits at west brim etc He's not discriminated on recruitment I look at the whole picture I Miss his presence and football commentary I really couldn't care less

[@davyhiggins5693]

I'm white and I would say he was well out of order in both 1990 and 2004

[@TonyHavenMusic]

When Max Clifford is taking a morale high ground over you, you know you messed up 😂

[@rohithraman6488]

Also when Garth Crooks is calling someone stupid

[@stubbzy4lfc]

Kinda obvious Ron was more sorry he got caught saying it than what he said, and feels he’s “over-apologised” now

[@thomasob1492]

This is the best piece of television ever made haha

[@nickm8874]

I just wasn’t prepared for the whole American radio bit. Honestly what were they thinking? Absolute comedy gold He came back more angry and more indignant hahaha

[@Obetv01]

At the time, the worst thing about this it felt to me was that it was said of Marcel D. Arguably one of the most successful hard working footballers of his time. A legend of the game who would be anything but lazy. In fact, Desaily and Deschamps grew up together at Marseille like brothers with a commitment to each other to out work everyone else on their way to the top. Now if he was called a lazy n***** after all he went on to achieve, what hope for us mere mortals. Big Ron at the time was my favorite CL host at the time. He commented on some great games; R Madrid v MAn UTd with peàk Zidane. Then that. Such a let down

[@TeamOfThe80s]

What I keep thinking is what they say throughout the show - why would that be in his vocabulary anyway?!

[@jefflinton]

Actually Cantona called Deschamps the 'water carrier' and the Chelsea Desailly wasn't the AC Milan or Marseille Desailly,he was lazier and more prone to errors.

[@KeppaOSF]

Am I the only one who feels like this entire documentary is about Mr. Atkinson justifying his own actions? If you're able to say THAT kind of stuff when (you think) nobody is listening/looking.. Your thinking process is that way, which means you ARE racist in my opinion..

[@zargonthemagnificent330]

I suspect many people under 40 will fully agree with you. Those of us over 45 will tend to think he' was a total twat but he grew up in a time when, undoubtedly, social attitudes were different. Not excusing it, merely explaining it. In time, you will also start to feel as if you can't keep up with the world around you , it happens to everyone eventually.

[@Scott1433]

@@zargonthemagnificent330 totally agree. He is a product of his era, he is totally ignorant and doesn't really get it. I don't detect any malice in Ron Atkinson just ignorance. If somebody 40 years younger than him behaved like him I think I'd view him more harshly.

[@cegb551]

A lot of people think like big Ron, they just hide it better.

[@festavision]

Negative mentality.

[@Seanc74]

of all races.

[@cegb551]

Scruffy Sandra Of course they are, but I’ve NEVER been with any of my black mates and heard them shout anti white stuff at any white person. Oh the other hand, the amount of times I’ve been called names by random white boys/males is quite a lot.. My parents didn’t raise me to dislike people based on race/religion.. I’m proud of that.

[@cegb551]

BFC have you ever been to America and spoken to blacks over there?? Ever been to South Africa and spoken to blacks over there..?? I have, and guess what??? West Indies not so much.

[@cegb551]

Scruffy Sandra my parents came to the uk back in the 60’s, as teenagers.. Worked hard all their lives, my mum still does 💪🏿. They taught us from a young age what we would face from white people, and they weren’t wrong. They also told us to rise above it, study/work hard and to TRY and get along with everyone. They also taught us that names don’t hurt, but if someone puts their hands on you...

[@z.czieyaad9999]

Imagine his thoughts on Pogba if he managed Manchester United now.

[@tom7131]

he is a pundit for MUTV lol

[@technologylover121]

😂😂

[@rhysgregory5897]

He was one of the first managers to back playing black players at WEST BROM

[@wonjubhoy]

@Bryan McDade 4 politicians who attend cabinet meetings are drawn from ethnic minorities. www.gov.uk/government/ministers I don't remember any black or Asian cabinet ministers in South Africa before 1994. I have also noticed Ben Carson is a member of President Trump's government and he is black. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabinet_of_Donald_Trump

[@alanbrady7116]

Ryan Giggs mooched his sister in law. This is wrong

[@adam84657]

I think in Ron's case, he came from a period where saying the N word is not a big deal, but I generally believe he is a good human being

[@turnerthemanc]

11:23 lol.....words of wisdom, there, from convicted sex offender Max Clifford

[@THEPINKFLOYDIANS]

That was bloody ridiculous 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 he came across more racist than before 😂😂😂😂😂😂 Silly old fool...

[@CARLIN4737]

Thats exactly what he is...A silly old fool.

[@kevinreay1510]

As a young Newcastle fan I'm ashamed to say I joined in with some of the racist chants in the 70s. My excuse? I was 14 and stupid. I grew up and I look back on those (mercifully short) times with shame. Ron didn't have the excuse of age on his side. He's a racist whatever excuses he makes.

[@callithowiseeit5806]

Bullshit, when you were round your own people you were tribal and as tribes do you mocked outsiders, just like ALL tribes and ALL colours do, now you've left the tribe you feel vulnerable and walk around on eggshells scared to offend while others remain tribal towards you, don't try flogging your fear as 'moved on' or enlightened

[@DaveyMulholland]

​@@callithowiseeit5806it's not "walking on eggshells" it's realising that there are haIfwits and treacherous to$$ers in your own "tribe", so mocking other "tribes" as if they're any worse than you, is the act of a tragic terminal wally.

[@AaronOne-ch6op]

​@@callithowiseeit5806exactly . Am man united fan. Do I think the " Charlton in box" City fans need a dox..... grow up idiots having a laugh n being idiots

[@DCDPM]

David Brent should have been sent on a racism awareness course. It was like The Office episode that never happened.

[@Instasamps]

Get the guitar….

[@Revelian1982]

​@@InstasampsHe went home to get it..

[@grassrootsfootball225]

Big Ron will always have swagger

[@cicstommy]

Anyone else feel that Adrian Chiles’s (admittedly natural) nonchalant tone sets the wrong mood for this programme?

[@1ironmikeoc]

it is actually enjoyable to see the producers haul him from place to place to try to reeducate him on what he has done. currently at 25 minutes and they have stuck him on a plane to the US to find out about the word he used

[@irieite9666]

I just think its hilarious that this attempt to build back his reputation failed so spectacularly lol. At one stage he kind of equates saying "this is a black day" to saying "Desailly is a lazy thick n****" lmao

[@CARLIN4737]

He just dosnt get it and is completely ignorant to what even racism is?

[@albertupardsnipec5988]

​@@irieite9666 this wasn't an attempt to build back his reputation, it was an effort to destroy the man, culminating in race-hustler in chief Darcus Howe telling him to scrub Rio Ferdinand's boots.

[@bobprobert353]

Africa needs to diverse with other races and not be so intolerant like unlike North America and Europe. Ron was right about why can black people say that word yet others can't? that is discrimination towards other races and is just as bad.

[@albertg63]

Watching this in 2020 with my jaw on the table! 🤯

[@corpgov]

they wantonly say the n word as if we need constant clarification

[@scruffmcgruff03]

@@corpgov call the pc police mr brown person

[@muntari82]

"His mum is somewhere in Africa watching it from a tree" effing hell

[@deeeeeeeench1209]

sulley muntari back home. Never said Africa

[@deeeeeeeench1209]

Jack Evans yep it's in the context of the joke not in the opinion facts remain facts this guy assumed he meant Africa and so did you. Where does she actually live?

[@deeeeeeeench1209]

Jack Evans yup what lives in a tree then?

[@deeeeeeeench1209]

Jack Evans BIRDS

[@deeeeeeeench1209]

Jack Evans most common birds but bravo 👏

[@nevilleturnbull5389]

Ron got caught making those comments about black players, something he has been doing all his football life. No Love lost for this man. England has always looked at black players like that he just got caught.

[@KENNYPAUL2]

Neville Turnbull damn right and no surprise to me in the doco it’s terry enables saying you’ve apologised enough.

[@powdergangereddie3413]

Lmao 😂 this doco had me rollin

[@killerclown7669]

Can't help but love big Ron

[@powdergangereddie3413]

Killer Clown lol aye

[@ItsAv3rageGamer]

Apparently that's when I made the alleged remark. Jesus.

[@d2dar459]

31:10 Gotta love the fact that they used a song by Mos Def, a song which had a message and an actual reason beyond the superficial for using the n word, and played like 5 seconds without context.

[@da_great_mogul]

Atkinson football career highlight... hitting the post. Legend!

[@TomWardComedian]

The Cameroon clip is the killer...in court that would destroy the defense lawyer's argument

[@andysmith8890]

He said how can I be racist, I like Bob Marley and Black Coffee

[@johnkeane5641]

And swam in the black sea

[@ucey-mi2wr]

And watch the all blacks at the world cup

[@97channel]

First line of this comment, what Ron said was racist and inexcusable. That's my honest opinion, and please don't forget it. But I'd like to talk further about the subject. Let's start with Frank Skinner. I'm quite a fan of his work, but it's fair to point out that he and David Baddiel were responsible for writing all of the material for Fantasy Football League. A running joke was about a footballer named Jason Lee, a black football player who sported a traditional raster-plat hairstyle. Frank Skinner pointed out that his style looked like he had a pineapple on his head. This was taken further, when David Badidiel black-faced for a sketch in the role of Jason Lee. The joke became a running gag in the show. It gained enough popularity that Jason Lee was heckled in the football stadiums with the taunt "He's got a pineapple on his head.", to the tune of He's got the whole world in his hands.". Jason Lee subsequently changed his hairstyle and, upon scoring a goal, celebrated by pointing out his altered hairstyle to the crowd as a retort to the abuse he'd been getting. In his autobiography, Frank Skinner expressed regret for the joke and the backlash Jason Lee got from it, acknowledging that a racial element was present in the joke. Albeit, not intentional. Frank Skinner was forgiven, even though a backlash was never really present in the first place. So, here he is giving his tuppence on Ron Atkinson. I don't think he deserved that position, given the offence he had personally caused. I think this documentary is biased and cruel. Whatever your opinion on what Ron said, fine. But this documentary sets its stall out as a fair, balanced view of the matter. Then, it goes into subtle, and sometimes not-so-subtle, bias of ridiculing Ron no matter what he says or does. The agenda is to constantly cut the footage to exaggerate the moments where he looks awkward and answerless. What I believe is, he was born in a time where racist language from whites toward blacks was not considered a big deal. Which I consider wrong, and make no mistake. But, in his world, it was banter. Like you would crack an Irishman, Englishman, Scotsman joke with no real hatred or bad intention. It was just the way stereotypes were expressed, and it didn't necessarily indicate that you had hatred towards any culture. I don't diminish the power of hurt his words caused. And, as a white man, I can never feel the full impact of. But I do believe that forgiveness is a better energy than hate. Okay, if he'd gone on to express that he stood by his remarks and expressed further hatred then there is a line to be drawn. But how much does a man need to apologise? Yes, some of that regret may well have been for himself and what he lost. But if he's willing to redress the hurt he caused, I do believe that a line should be drawn under the incident at some point. Crimes should be met with equal punishment, and he is undoubtedly guilty of a crime, but actions should speak louder than words. And it's a shame that a man who did so much for the acceptance of black players in English football should be overbalanced by one unfortunate remark. Yes, it was racist. No question. But I wonder, did the punishment exceed the crime?

[@kwesi01]

97channel You speak a lot of sense, and make great points, and show that you are a reflective, compassionate person. I absolutely agree with you. I don’t doubt that in person, Ron would be good company. I’m not going to watch the whole of the documentary as I have a bit of work to do while I am under lockdown. I will say that I hope that Ron can see that he did indeed cause hurt to many, especially given his influential position, and that even when this occurred, things had moved on, and there were certain jokes that just weren’t funny any more. I can’t remember whether he apologised. I hope that he did, and I hope that he is doing well now. Funnily enough, your stance echoes my stance on Michael Richards (“Kramer” from ‘Seinfeld’). I honestly felt straight away that there had been a rush to judgement - probably not most people’s position, but there you go. It’s humbling for me to read the thoughts of someone like you who really “gets it.” All the best, mate.

[@TeamOfThe80s]

No. The punishment was completely warranted. Don’t excuse this guy. He may have been born in that time but you evolve with the times, and the term ‘black’ or the n word doesn’t refer to a single Black Country, but an entire race. That makes it different to an Irishman or Scotsman joke. It was obvious a very very long time ago that the n word was especially offensive. I’m white so I’ll compare it anti white racial slurs like cracker and honkey etc. Many people will claim that they don’t care if they’re called honkey or cracker so why the issue with the n word? The fundamental point all these people do not understand is that it’s a much much deeper racial slur than any other and that there’s simply no white equivalent of it. No comparative word exists. What the seals the deal is that despite people going out of their way to try and educate him he just doubles down and buries his head in the sand, and as is mentioned in the video why was that word at the forefront of his mind?

[@seangrogan3622]

Irish jokes were still common in the 1980s. I never suffered anti Irish discrimination but I had such an odd feeling with those jokes and hoped people wouldn't pick up on my name. These racial slurs just exclude you, deny who you are as a person. For black people suffering discrimination it is horrendous to be excluded for something like skin colour which you have no control over. If you have any idea of this you will have no tolerance for the language used by Ron.

[@35Hoopsfan]

Big Ron on a University campus in Alabama discussing use of the n word with undergrads..... So random, lol.

[@roblloyd6082]

Car crash tv. The equivalent of big Ron having a motorway pile up.

[@robertmason6366]

Fukin hey lol

[@neddystark3351]

"This is a black day".... lol he can't help himself 🤣🤣🤣

[@rohithraman6488]

Imagine if Ron was commentator for England/Italy shootout in Euro final

[@NeroAngelo616]

Gotta have a larf. This piece of propaganda is a black comedy and Ron is going with it. Just like any media pundit up your throat.

[@TheIkaraCult]

I was such a fan of Big Ron before all this. You can see pretty much everyone in this documentary were hoping he would be able to cast his pride aside and recognise how much pain his comment caused and show some humility. Brendan Batson especially, you can tell how much he wants Ron to just take a step back, but he just refuses to. I don't think people should be tossed on the scrapheap because they say the wrong thing, but if they have zero conception of the hurt caused then why should anyone give them the time of day?

[@brianbale9511]

Great question well worded and ill attempt an answer so here goes....Gordon brown when prime minister left his microphone 🎤 on he called a working class voter A BIGOT thats a wage payer of his a taxpayer a labour voter Disgusting 🙏 🙏 🙏 so ronald left his microphone 🎤 on he used to allegedly gloat on tv football pundit time allegedly a braggert he like Brown allegedly had a momentarily of what ? Disgusting yes but was this both of their allegedly vile nasty true feelings on their fellow sharing work one being football the other politics is this a moment in time for us the wage payers of these types to say hey are they genuine if the answers yes then God help us 🙏

[@Kalus_Saxon]

It’s not a crime to hurt someone’s feeling if it was comedians would be banned and so would rap music as it uses slurs all the time… oh it’s acceptable for them to use those words because it doesn’t upset them they choose to be upset as it pays to be a full time victim blaming everyone else for your peoples failings

[@nickm8874]

@@Kalus_Saxonyou have to tell yourself that being born white is an achievement because it’s the only thing you can list as an accomplishment

[@pauliepaul3697]

@@nickm8874 get a life 🤣

[@daveferris5465]

Tbf the double standards in the race discussion would confuse anyone with sense

[@donnaw4249]

This is quite long and detailed, so scroll on if you're not into deep perspective, But I actually don't care too much if Ron Atkinson is a casual racist. Everyone has casually racist, or prejudiced thoughts. Some people just get caught out in public by getting a little ahead of themselves at times. But if I like someone, then I like them. Whether or not they are casually racist, doesn't bother me in the slightest. The casual racist is someone who will say the odd racist remark here and there, but isn't actually defined by it. Black people do this, white people do it, asians do it, everyone does it or has thought about something racist at least once in their lifetime. It's the intent behind it that I look at, as it's not always necessarily driven by hatred. Defining someone's entire personality by one or two offhand remarks, is in itself prejudiced. Which comes back to what I said at the beginning of my comment, everyone has prejudiced thoughts to one degree or another, no matter how virtuously perfect that person believes themselves to be. Humans have so many qualities as people. One or two imperfect or questionable characteristics doesn't define them as people. An example can be found in someone who made a racist joke about a black person one night, but then goes out the next night and happens to defend an innocent black person being verbally attacked, or beaten up by a group of thugs. So to hell with anyone who hones in on one or two characteristics they dislike about someone, I'll decide for myself who I like and who I don't. For me, the realist and most down to earth people out there, often have quite a few offensive qualities. It's the ones who portray themselves as being squeaky clean that you often need to really watch out for. I'll giggle at a causally racist joke or remark, but where I'd draw the line is if someone is a full on neo Nazi type that wants to subjugate different races, or deliberately mistreat someone for being a different colour than them, through malice and hatred. That's the difference in mindset between an offhand remark or an offensive joke. I don't subscribe to politics or activism involved in this. I believe that mindset turns you into an ideological parrot. Fight all you want to make changes, but you'll never change an offensive mindset. The boundary breaker types will always exist no matter which form they take, whether it's the casual racist, or some other form. Your activism or politics only serves to embolden these types of people even more, I know because I'm one of them. But funnily enough I'd give you my last pound if I could spare it. Does that make me a good person or a bad person, or bit of a mixture? Who cares? I don't care about fitting someone else's standards of good or bad. I'm not out to physically harm anyone or hurt anyone, and I don't care that much about what people think of me, unless they mean something to me and I actually value and trust their judgement. I won't be changed or convinced by some radical finger pointing activist, or some virtue signalling, perpetually offended squealer on the television, because most of these types of people are flawed in many ways themselves, they just don't care to see it because they spend their whole lives pointing out the perceived flaws they see in everyone else, while deliberately disregarding anything good in the people they take aim at. Their judgement is one dimensional and doesn't appear to be proportionate to the offence they believe has taken place. For example, they'll compare a casual racist, to Hitler himself, or some other super villain in an attempt to upscale the limited racism of a casual, to that of a mass murderer, or a full blown hate figure. And that's where these activist/politically driven types completely lose me. They're always out to gain the shock factor. The dishonesty in their comparisons, and the examples they use to completely sever a person's entire character based on one remark they made, or an offensive joke they told, is completely and utterly ridiculous. They use that one example, and then open up an armchair analysis of that person's entire personality. Indicating that if the person is capable of saying this one thing, then they must also be capable of being a super villain and involve themselves in the kind of acts that leads to murder and genocide. It's the equivalent of saying a hunter who shoots birds for example, while not exactly a noble practice, must then also be just as likely to go out and shoot human beings too, so let's treat him as the latter rather than the former. Let's destroy his entire character because we hate him more for what we think he "could be" rather than what he actually is. My take on all of this race stuff, is that the best relationship between a black man and a white man, isn't actually one where they don't see race, but rather one where they do see it, but are comfortable with it, in fact so comfortable, that they can joke with one another about it, and still value a friendship they have with each other that has deeper meaning and isn't defined by a shallow societal expectation. That in my opinion, is how you kill racism, or at least the kind of racism that leads to hatred, mistrust and a desire to cause harm. It's the politicians and the activists keeping it on life support, because it's a valuable asset to stoke up the kind of division and hatred they claim to want to eradicate. Why are they keeping it on life support? Well that can be for another discussion.

[@portcullis5622]

Difficult to feel any sympathy for him, after 24 years of being very well paid for mostly stating the obvious. He got away with a similar offensive comment 14 years earlier, so he had a good ron.

[@tomcunners9887]

This is TV heaven.

[@Crazybob07]

He’s old generation and promoted a lot of black players. I don’t think there was malice in it. He was a good commentator

[@yaramar34]

9 minutes in, loads of contributions from Ron and his mates and yet he still hasnt been confronted with what he said and when he finally is, he doesn't give a 5hit

[@tommytaylor5195]

Not true at all,he has apologised,said sorry,and held his hands up, what he hasn't done is gone over board/keep on apologising for it,that's all, you can tell he isn't racist,he was angry the night he said what he said,and he said something in anger,I've lost my control,and said stupid things in the past, don't hammer Ron,he really doesn't deserve it, Brendan Batson knows the score.

[@bigt5512]

“These are the sort of things you find offensive?” Stood in front of a picture of a black man being eaten by an alligator 🐊🤦🏻‍♂️

[@Chuchu_fly]

: Ron is not a racist, he was politically incorrect, in politically correct times, that’s all slow to move with the times, Thanks for all you’ve done Ron sorry for how things turned out.

[@NouserID2]

You’re full of shit

[@andyw9255]

The weird thing is nobody ever manages to drive the point home to him. It doesn't help that he tries to learn about racism from a white racist phone-in in Alabama (lol). As far as Big Ron is concerned, he has basically called Desailly the equivalent of a "wanker", and by the end of the programme his position hasn't really shifted. I think the only way to explain it to a white person might be to call their mother a cheap inbred whore or something along those lines - it's that ancestral slur and the baggage of slavery that makes the N-word much more offensive than a swear word. By using that word, you're not just insulting someone, you're bringing up all sorts of implications about their worth as a human being and their status in society. Ron never grasps this. (I don't think he's a bad person, by the way. And I don't think he needs to keep apologising. I'm just surprised he never catches on to what all the black players are saying to him - usually very patiently and politely.)

[@andyw9255]

@Undoctrinated I literally said he doesn't need to keep apologising? What makes you think I have a begging bowl? I work for a successful private company and I'm loaded!

[@andyw9255]

​@Undoctrinated no, I just thought he might show some empathy for people who don't like being called the n-word? Like a flicker of understanding at some point. He never does. It was just a comment on a KZbin video. I have no desire for him to display any kind of emotional breakdown. You seem to be projecting a lot of your own inadequacies and troubles and pet peeves on to my original comment, which didn't cover half the stuff you've talked about.

[@lwandilemsiza8027]

@@andyw9255 he's a racist to. Dont worry, they try to pretend its political correctness. But they know in their hearts what they mean by it. Ron isn't a bad bloke but he is definitely prejudiced and a racist regardless of his actions, I dont think he has any respect for black people beyond what they can do in service for him, he's just not as stupid as other racists who think theyll only get something of value from a white person. So his record as a manager doesnt deter me from calling him a racist, because Cyril Regis etc. were exceptional players who Ron had the sense to play

[@PJ-po7fu]

@@andyw9255😂😂class insults. It obviously hit a nerve!

[@kylebutler3018]

Mistakes happen. Big Ron is still a legend

[@tyrexx112]

“As out of data as his hairstyle”🤣🤣🤣

[@obsoleteworlds]

Yes. That was a short documentary.

[@AdamBlaizeLives]

I've always liked Ron Atkinson. I think he's very much a man of his time. However, his failure to understand the history of the word is what I find so confusing. Do I think he's a bad person? No. Do I think he's casually racist? Yes, absolutely. But should he be vilified for his ignorance and outdated attitude? No, I don't think he should. Education is the key to progression and a change in beliefs and attitude.

[@johnlawler6476]

Well said

[@CARLIN4737]

Yep. thats about it.

[@pauliepaul3697]

Cry me a river 😢

[@kevinmurray-hill4027]

Like many people, I have some sympathy for the price that big Ron has paid, for his (totally unacceptable) choice of word describing Marcel Desailly. But the reactions from his employers, colleagues and the public was inevitable and predictable, the world has moved on and the problem is that if Ron was re-employed it would represent an unarticulated condoning of his comment. Ron Atkinson does seem to be genuinely baffled by the fact that he has been labelled a racist, especially in view of his previous history of bringing on players at WBA, and also the testimonies of various black players who know him personally. But what they recognise and he does not is that the N word is certainly racist, and deeply offensive, and if it should 'slip' out in an unguarded moment, then it can not be ignored.

[@justbreakingballs]

Yeh but is only a word.

[@daveeol1987]

He's obviously just old school he even said that's what's kniwn as before he said it. Probably remembering something from times gone by

[@Grandmastergav86]

Words only have the power you ascribe them.

[@cockoffgewgle4993]

Yet we knew if a black person "let slip" a racial slur it wouldn't impact their career at all. It's the double standard, the racist double standard, that people have a problem with. eg. Trevor Sinclair, who is employed by TalkSport, was convicted of racial abuse directed at a police officer.

[@MVgaming627]

I loved Ron Atkinson in the day, and I took his side in this argument at the time of the controversy. However after after watching this, I can see why people "cancelled him" he does in the documentary to appear to ignorant, especially after watching documentary backs the ignorance this up. However time has passed since the scandal and I believe he has been forgiven and rebuilt himself which is good to see. I do not think Ron was a racist but did make a racist comment and is a product of his time. I still love the guy. I met him when I was 15 years old in Jamaica, lets not forget he DID introduce many starts to the English league all black, Regis, Batson, Cunningham, Remi Moses. Moses along with Paul McGrath were the two prominent players for Manchester United.

[@gregprice103]

Ron did seem ignorant of the depth of offence certain words cause but have to give him some credit for putting himself in the firing line here

[@Kyu1985]

I bet Ron take his coffee strong and black ☕💪

[@robertmason6366]

Coffee without milk

[@corpgov]

@C L almond milk for me :D

[@mikeluke9404]

I am an avid spurs fan, when we played WBA in a2nd semi final leg and spurs fans were chanting racist comments at Cyril regis . I actually felt ashamed and cried. In my mind racism is never OK he does not seem to take it serious which is a disgrace.

[@Grandmastergav86]

Holy Virtue Signalling, Batman! we have a Saint.

[@dkizxpt-su3ze]

hahhaha what a fake idiot you are

[@apk4381]

Sure ya did, champ. You're a proper white knight of the black community.

[@trudeausbackbone1304]

You cried?

[@ohdear2001]

Liar.

[@joankersting2358]

I’m so not BLM, however My sisters and I made it clear to our dad that he must never use the N word EVER around our kids. The day I left his cafe with my kids because he did, he ran after me throwing to go orders of food at us all the way to my car. My kids know what happens when that language is used around any of us.

[@dónalÓNiadh]

Your poor dad.

[@SuperGrimupnorth]

#rip Britain.. 🙏 PS - black ppl.. still to this day say that term to each other on a daily basis ie- songs, film, comedy

[@clarkgable3731]

will never get rid of racism will always be there for the rest of days

[@idesireit31]

Even if white supremacy is flipped on its head

[@Amnec__]

Can believe the amount of times they use that word on this video. Unbelievable !

[@bestgrimbarianever]

you could play a drinking game and end up in hospital :P

[@bonglesnodkins329]

Documentary was made before we all became infantilised.

[@the1stlion]

Watching this in 2023 I’m struggling to see how anyone thought this was a good idea. Adrian Chiles says the word about 50 times throughout. It’s a total PR disaster for all concerned. Ron shows no regret other than he thinks he’s apologised too much. This did more harm than good I think

[@rohithraman6488]

This documentary made Ron look even worse. And Chiles

[@pauliepaul3697]

Both piss heads 😂

[@buzzin_fly7509]

It's a good documentary for the time, they would never make this now because of PC left wing nonsense

[@oliprj8676]

John Terry's behaviour towards Anton Ferdinand was worse but he gets away with it because the media love JT for some reason

[@Seanc74]

@Scruffy Sandra but got away with it as he said at his trial " I didn't call you an fffing black Cun T...

[@Seanc74]

@Scruffy Sandra that was it, about the racist remark. Terry said that Anton heard the black C bit but missed the beginning Terry saying "I didn't call you" Terry got a not proven as Ashley Cole went went as a witness.

[@Seanc74]

@Scruffy Sandra well that's up to the individual to decide, remember what he did to Wayne Bridge.

[@Hubertbebe93]

OLI PRJ I agree John terry got away big Ron got fucked

[@GEricG]

That's whataboutery though. Whatever Terry has done doesn't excuse Atkinson saying that.

[@Helio144]

Big Ron's always been a smooth operator

[@BlueLeopard200]

Being paid several times more than brain surgeons for being a football pundit is such a good deal that very very few people get that you really ought to be without blemishes to do it. If he's "brought back" someone else will have to go, obviously. My question is why the hell should someone else be forced out when they haven't done what Ron done? Can anyone answer that? There isn't an infinite number of commentator slots. Why should someone else be fired or have their work reduced for Ron? Hmm?

[@AnonymousSuperTuber]

Ron is a legend

[@leegilmour8090]

Bernard Hopkins said before the Joe Calzhaghe fight, no way I'm losing to a white boy and he still works for Golden Boy Promotions, in fact has since been made a partner in the company, and still appears on usa television, I think Ron made a mistake

[@scotty9732]

@@elmztana1201 me too and i am white and i'd stand up for a black friend if he said that to them m8 fuckin disgrace, i saw his mug being interviewed on keys and gray a couple days back - thought he had died

[@mauriceguiney1200]

@scotty: why am I not surprised that those 2 self obsessed twats, Keys and Grey would have this clown on.....working for that bastion of moral decency the Qatari govt

[@Mattg413]

Double standards.

[@Mattg413]

@AMG BOYZ but the fact is Hopkins hasn't been removed or made to explain is racist remarks.

[@scotty9732]

@@mauriceguiney1200 innit, absolute morons

[@BenjaminNavillus]

I went from thinking that Atkinson is a bit of a silly old buffer and had made a pretty rude comment to going back to being on his side after that Darkus Howe confrontation. Making someone clean boots, for fuck's sake... I came away with the feeling that Howe basically would be pretty happy for him to be subject to some form of corporal punishment if the law allowed for it. At that point it became farcical, even though I still think what was said was offensive.

[@ronnie1202]

Seriously, who hasnt said something wrong in their life ffs .

[@MrBeans_Slippers]

Love how his only player highlight was hitting the post

[@bigbadbaz16]

"I'm nearly as tan as you" "Ah that's racist"

[@cicstommy]

Brent.

[@hardevdhanda76]

Kind of glad this arrived on my feed. I was only 9 years old when the infamous Desailly commentary occurred, well typing this, it's actually racial abuse. I had the smallest amount of sympathy before watching this as I knew and read upon what a person Ron was in football and what's he'd accomplished. But watching this documentary that was broadcast only a few months after Monaco, Ron does come across as very ignorant. He fails to see what he said was racial abuse. He's more sorry because it ended his career. I don't think he's racist but he's so out of touch. The gentleman that spoke to him at the end at WBA said it perfectly - "What's sad is you live in a country and don't recognise it anymore. You don't know the place anymore"

[@corpgov]

@Peter Peter woah, talk about making a leap from that comment. What part do you object to, or were your poor sensitivities hurt?

[@jefflinton]

I didn't agree with a lot of what he'd say before during or after a match but he was a REAL character. I recall him highlighting racism in sport many many times and 'bringing black players through" yet some insist that he should be remembered for saying a derogatory word (that I despise). I just want to make a couple of points. 1. He was at the vanguard of anti racism in sport and employed many many black players when others blatantly blanked them. 2. He's an old school football manager and they rarely back down over anything but YET he resigned,apologised and even made TV programmes to highlight his stupidity 3. Characters in football. There is a serious lack of colour (no pun intended) within society due to some kind of filter that imposed restrictions on what we can ALL do. Finally,I'd suggest that a lot of black people would agree with what I'm saying.That one word Ron Atkinson said has defined his character,career and personality going forward. Is that fair? Is that equal? I think that 30+ years for one word is an EXTREMELY heavy price to pay that criminals don't even have serve. I think this deserves addressing and resolving.

[@topthecat2259]

Well said, political correctness gone mad!