TOBY YOUNG

BANTS MEANS BANS

THERE’S A CLAUSE BURIED IN LABOUR’S EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS BILL that has received little attention so far but will affect every sports fan in the country. CLAUSE 16 extends employers’ liability for the harassment of their employees to third parties. The Bill says sports clubs will have to take “all reasonable steps” to protect their workers from being harassed by fans. If you bear in mind in that the definition of “harassment” under the Equality Act includes overheard conversations, the implications are chilling. For instance, at QPR games it’s not unusual for fans to scream “Are you blind?” at linesmen, particularly if they’ve failed to rule an opposing player offside. At present, if that comment is overheard by a partially sighted steward, or someone takes offence on their behalf, there’s not…

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The Critic (Digital) - 1 Issue, November 2024

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