Rugby league sets example for racial harmony - sporting letters

From: Roger Ingham, Aldersley Avenue, Skipton

I noted the letter from Julian Slater (June 15) regarding the 1968 Mexico Olympics 200m champion and medals rostrum Black Power saluter Tommie Smith’s participation at a sports meeting at Wakefield Trinity Rugby League Club in 1972.

I, too, competed at the event as did Clive Sullivan, who was on the threshold of captaining Great Britain to rugby league World Cup winning glory.

There had been speculation of the American signing for a rugby league club, and in the conversation mix in the dressing room before the start, Smith – noting Sullivan’s similar ethnic features – enquired regarding any racist slurs.

Sullivan replied very much on the lines of all the rugby league fraternity being simply one big happy family, regardless of any skin colour.

Nothing then – you might suggest – any different on those lines, ever since the game first took off in 1895. Indeed, though the 13-a-side code might well be very much the poor relations in terms of financial patronisation, in the field of honesty, humanity, racial-harmony and the overall long-standing recognition of the equality of people, yet also bereft of hypocrisy, rugby league has been the supreme ethical champion by a country mile.

Moreover, in these turbulent times of civil unrest, rugby league’s lifelong history of upholding all the humanitarian virtues, should surely now qualify it as a worthy contender for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Whether it be coach, captain, referee or fair play selection for representative honours, it has been rugby league at the front of the racial harmony pack, every time!

From: Peter Rickaby, West Park, Selby, North Yorkshire

Since becoming an international, wicketkeeper/batsman Jonny Bairstow, like his father David, has been treated very shabbily by a succession of England cricket selectors.

The latest insult to his talent was given by chairman of selectors Ed Smith, intimating Bairstow’s best hope for selection was via his batting prowess.

Time, perhaps, for the ECB to enrol Smith on a public relations exercise in man-management.

From: Norman J Hazell, Woolgreaves Drive, Wakefield

I was delighted to see Alan Jones finally recognised as a Test player, 50 years late, as cricket authorities accepted the great matches when England took on and were well beaten by the Rest of World classified as Tests.

It reminds me, though, of a similar situation in the world of rugby league. For 70 years ago, France hosted an international game against England, but sadly decided not to award caps.

It is the only time this has happened and a good friend of mine, Wakefield Trinity’s great hooker, Len Marson, missed out. Although a regular county man, this was his only international.

I wonder whether rugby league authorities might follow the example of cricket. Len died a few years ago, but I am sure his son and family would love to be able to place a cap alongside his county and club treasures.

From: Howard Ray, Bramley

As a Leeds United fan, can I urge all fellow supporters to show restraint by not attempting to travel to any of the venues during what is in effect a mini-league which completes the season.

Any issues involving fans, however well intentioned, becoming involved outside grounds can only detract from the job in hand, promotion.

Leeds United season-ticket holders will have televised coverage to all the matches. We accept it’s not the same as being there but coronavirus is still very much with us so let’s keep safe and show our support in front of the television set.