A junior player was subjected to racism and defended by his coach – prompting the federation to fine the club and suspend the coach. The discrimination ombudsman’s proposal for an apology, compensation and changed rules does not suit the union either.
Yle Sporten wrote earlier this year about the case where a teenage junior player in the Pelicans was subjected to racism, told about this to his coach who left the game with his team.
At the Finnish ice hockey association, they understood nothing. An abandoned game due to racism was called a circus, and the result was instead a three-game suspension for coach Juha Sokka and a €1,000 fine for the Pelicans.
– What has made the player saddest is that the elders let him down, Sokka stated for Yle Sporten.
The discrimination ombudsman began looking more closely at the case in January. At the same time, two more cases were raised, where the same junior was subjected to racism during hockey matches.
The union does not give up
From the discrimination ombudsman, Sokka and the Pelicans got it right.
The mediation proposal read that the association would apologize and reimburse the club and the coach’s legal expenses of around 5,000 euros. In addition, in accordance with the 27th section of the Equality Act, the association would pay 3,000 euros for racism to the junior player and 3,000 euros to Juha Sokka for the unfair suspension.
In addition, the association was asked to change its principles when it comes to guidelines for the referees and procedures in disciplinary measures. The proposal was approved by the player himself, the parents, as well as by coach Sokka.
But not by the union, which will instead hire a law firm to handle the case going forward, kunde Yle Urheilu reveal.
Juha Sokka doesn’t understand anything – but intends to continue with the case. Either alone, or together with the discrimination ombudsman.
– You just get more and more surprised with each new decision that comes. Is it really that hard to admit your mistake? I see no logic in their decision, comments Sokka now for Helsingin Sanomat.
The newspaper has also been in contact with the association. CEO Sami Kauhanen states that they are still willing to go to mediation – but not according to the proposal that was given.
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