Is Racism Alive And Kicking In Leafy Surrey?

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Kathy

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Can anyone help?

After many months, I have managed to get an offer on my house in Surrey. It has all been done via the Estate Agent, all I know is the people's name and their circumstances.

I went to the house today as I had had another skip delivered which I needed to fill. We are hoping to complete before Christmas hence I wanted to clear some more of the rubbish. This should have been done 2 weeks ago, but due to recent events, everything had to go on the backburner.

Whilst carrying items to the skip in the front garden, the next door neighbour pulled up. I waved and said hello. I don't know them that well, just enough to pass the time of day etc. Remember, I have never lived at the house.

The man in question came striding purposely over and down my drive. I was quite taken aback when he started having a "go" asking for the name of the person I had sold the house to. I refused to tell him as his mannerisms were quite threatening.

To put you in the picture, another (elderly English) couple had put in an offer, which I had initially accepted as they were cash buyers, but this transpired not to be the case. This same couple also sent in a list of 30 questions about the house, asking for details of all direct debits to do with the house and other very personal information about the occupant who died earlier this year. I had a bad feeling about them and that they would pick fault in absolutely everything to try and get the house even cheaper. They had offered well below the asking price but I need the money to pay the inheritance tax.

I discussed their letter with the estate agent, and we agreed I would probably be better off going with the other couple (who have an arabic sounding surname) as they would complete before Christmas and their offer was higher.

That's the background as I know it.

Well, this next door neighbour standing on my driveway was quite menacing, saying he did not want (what sounded like) "onions" living next door to him and that the other couple (who had evidently been to see him) were going to sue my Agent as they had had a "tree survey done". This means a man had come to look at the large tree in the front garden to see how far it could be cut back.

He said he would take whatever steps necessary to ensure the people I had sold to would not be able to buy the house and demanded their names again. I was quite frightened as his whole demeanor was more and more threatening. My boyfriend turned up and the neighbour walked off. Thanks goodness I was not on my own.

Can anyone advise? Does anyone know what "onions" are in cockney slang. I looked it up on Google but it means Sargeant? Could it be to do with Onion Bhaji's perhaps? This man is well known in the football scene as is his girlfriend. Should I contact the police perhaps? My boyfriend said that they may get squatters to move into the house or cover the house in rascist slogans? I am absolutely appalled by this man's reaction. It sounded as if his problem was he is a rascist. I may be wrong but by me giving him the name it would have certainly made him realise they were not 100% English.

Any advice really would be appreciated, as I really don't need this right now.
 
No useful advice other than perhaps contact the police and see what they say? The last thing you needed right now was that idiot causing trouble. It's none of his business who you sell the house to. If he was fussy about who lived near to him he should've bought a very remote house with no neighbours for miles!
 
Tell him that while he might be looked up to by fans, he is scum and that you couldn't give a damn about his bigoted opinions. It is your house and you will sell it to anyone you please. Then turn on your heel and walk back inside.
 
I have spoken to the police Griffin (before I read this) and evidently they will be paying him a visit after they have made some enquiries. :ph34r: That should send those posh curtains twitching.

Paul, I kept my cool and said more or less exactly what you said. I didn't mention the word bigot though - must remember that word for next time. SL, I still think I may have misheard him, but I can't think of any other word that sounds like onions? He was about 25 foot away from me but he said it more than once and I am 95% certain he said "we don't want any onions living around here".

I think this person's boss (Chairman) at the football club would be quite interested in his possibly rascist opinions, especially as they have a few non English players in their team.

I really am quite shocked. It's not as if the properties are even attached and what the hell has it got to do with him who I sell it to. If they have the money, as far as I am concerned the house is theirs. I have an appointment with the conveyancing solicitors tomorrow. I wonder should I tell them, and do I tell the estate agent as well? :rolleyes:
 
I think this person's boss (Chairman) at the football club would be quite interested in his possibly rascist opinions
Click to expand...

I'm sure a couple of tabloids would be interested too...
 
The other prospective buyers don't have a leg to stand on about the survey . There is no contract to sell the land to them.
 
The police have phoned 3 times this evening. I have to go and give a statement tomorrow morning. They seem to be taking this very seriously. :blink:

My fella has confirmed out that the phrase Onion Bag is the word used for the goal net in football or the name given to the bag to carry the footballs. Therefore, Onion Bag could change to Onion Rag could be what he meant.... Rag as in Rag Head a really nasty racist comment. Sorry if people think that I shouldn't use this term but I am just trying to work out why he used the word "onion?"

Gareth, if this man loses me my sale, believe me he will wish he had never met me. The tabloids and his club chairman may well be getting similar phone calls. h:)
 
There are offensive creeps everywhere, Kathy. As I think we've said on another thread, money doesn't buy you taste, good manners, or a shred of common decency. This goon lacks them all. Sadly, it seems to be so typical of comments coming out of football. Are there any non-white players on this creature's team? I'm sure they'd be delighted to know what sort of creep is part of their team. Football just seems so totally shabby in this area of human relations - it's riddled with tribal instincts, right from the dumb face-painting to the flags and the airhead songs. Anyway, a call to the Chairman of his club - no, even better, a VISIT to him - saying you're thinking of speaking to the Mail, and you've already called the Police, but you'd like his views first, might shake him up. Take a videocam with you next time you visit the house, just in case Creepio comes blathering out again.

On top of what's just happened in your life, the last thing you need is some bullying turniphead - to continue the vegetative theme. (Riposte: "Onions? Well, why not? They'll go well living next to a cabbagehead like you.")

Very glad that the Police are responding so well.

By the way, what's the name of this pig and the team he so wonderfully represents? I don't think we should be coy about this. I'm quite happy to have a go at his Manager - in fact, I'd be delighted to. Name him and shame him, Kathy!
 
Originally posted by krizon@Dec 11 2005, 11:06 PM

By the way, what's the name of this pig and the team he so wonderfully represents? I don't think we should be coy about this. I'm quite happy to have a go at his Manager - in fact, I'd be delighted to. Name him and shame him, Kathy!
Click to expand...
Yeah Kathy, name and shame or at least send some PM`s. I`m a member of a footie forum and can help get this prick`s name muddied a bit.
 
i dont know if this helps but with us
Onion eaters
is the derogative of turkish and other muslim people.
it comes from the smell of grilled lamb meat and onions which escapes from their regular open air barbecues in parks and backyards..,
 
Unfortunately, this guy may be a lot cleverer than you realise - by being offensive and by you reporting the matter to the police, he has now already achieved his aim - ie a spoke in the wheel of you selling to your preferred buyers.

You will have been given (or worse, will be) a document by your solicitor which asks you to detail any neighbour disputes, especially those reported to the police. Sight of this must be given to your purchaser's solicitors and thus your purchasers themselves.

They may then not wish to pursue the sale for obvious reasons......
 
I did a four page statement to the police today. I can't believe how helpful they are being in all of this. They seem to take racism extremely seriously. The man in question will be getting a visit from the police this afternoon for his side of the story. I hope a visit from the police will be enough to stop him in his tracks. At first I thought I may be over reacting, but I then thought that whatever people's feelings are about the colour of people's skin, to actually shout them out in the street and threaten to try and stop them moving in possibly with menace is totally unnacceptable behaviour. This couple (who I have never met) are evidently extremely nice (according to the estate agent), who already own a really nice house in an affluent area of Surrey. I can only imagine how they may feel if they knew what their new neighbours had said.

If he manages to stop the sale Songsheet, I will sue him, and if I can't do that, I will make sure the football world knows that instead of trying to stamp out racism by the football spectators, they need to look a little closer to home in this particular case.

I think you can understand why I don't really want to reveal his name just yet on here, (in case it goes to court, which I doubt) and to be honest I had never heard of him, nor had my boyfriend, but he is "evidently " well known, he is in his late 50's and there is plenty about him on the internet about his past football career - he has certainly moved about abit in his time. His current team for which he coaches has many non-english players Krizon.

Thanks again for all your advice and your PM's! :)
 
The only thing about the 'complaints sheet' would be that Kathy wasn't living in the house and that the previous occupant had never filed any formal complaints against her neighbours, or vice versa, presumably. But you've possibly already filed the sheet, Kathy, with your solicitor. It may be worth a little call to him/her to just run the scenario past them and get their best advice.

I received the form which Songsheet mentions only today, in fact (re sale of my mother's flat), and it asks: Do you know of any disputes or anything which might lead to a dispute about this or any neighbouring property? Have you received any complaints about anything you have, or have not, done as owners? Have you made any such complaint to any neighbour about what the neighbour has or has not done? While none of these pertain to the previous owner, it's as well to be in the clear about your own position, Kathy.
 
You have to ask yourself just why this guy verbally attacked Kathy - do you really naively think he did it to let off steam and that he thought it would influence Kathy's decision?

Of course he didn't - these creeps know full well what they're doing and in all likelihood, that Kathy would do exactly what she did do - ie, inform someone in authority. He gets exactly what he wants - ie, disclosure to the prosepctive buyer, which sadly Kathy is now under due diligence to do - not only to her current prospective purchasers but also any future ones.

As he's no longer active in his professional field, I don't suppose he would give a monkey's whether or not Kathy follws this up. B@stard.
 
IN that case one can only hope the police find good grounds to charge him under current anti-racism legislation. Bang the b@stard up in a cell with four or five "onions" and get word to them about why he's in there.
 
Songsheet, he is still coaching plus his step son is a fairly well known footballer. If I lose the sale so what, it's not the end of the world for me, but it may well not do this chap any good if the complaint "accidently" leaked to the press. There are a few non white living in the cul de sac, who may be only too pleased to know what he thinks about them, plus the adverse publicity he will get. I may then decide to only sell to someone non white if I was really vindictive. :)
I am not going to be bullied by this racist, and the couple may still decide to move in despite what their new neighbour said about them. It's entirely up to them. This racist may have made one comment too many this time and only one person is going to be made to pay for it, and it won't be me!

Afterall, the police may still have grounds to charge him. I will keep you posted, and keep buying the News of The World just in case! B)
 
I have requested the e-mail address of the football club's chairman, and I am thinking about sending in an e-mail to the press office of Kick it Out. I have put a call into my estate agent and told them to advise the prospective buyers of the problem, and my solicitor is calling me back with her advice. After the traumatic last couple of weeks I have endured, I really don't need this BUT if I feel I am duty bound to play my part in this. The more I think about what he had done, the more I feel I should make people know what this man is. An out and out racist.

From the Kick it Out website!

Report racists – if you receive racist abuse, or see or hear someone making racist comments or gestures, you should report it – to a steward or the police; to a teacher or coach; to the club if you are a fan; or to the local authority if it occurs on your local council pitch.

Racist abuse at football matches is against the law, so the police and stewards should take action. Referees should act if the abuse comes from players, and your league or county FA should look into the matter. Make note of the incident and let Kick It Out know what’s happened too.

The KIO hotline number is 0800 169 9414.

Find out more – there’s lots of information around about racism in football and the history of black footballers. Perhaps you could write an article for your school magazine, suggest a project to your history or citizenship teacher, or even create a play about the experiences of some black players.

You could find out about black players from your local area, and learn what their experiences were like, even those who didn’t make it to the top. Who knows, you may uncover a forgotten star!
Perhaps it could be an ICT project – there’s lots you can uncover using the internet.

For example, www.blackpresence.co.uk/ contains lots of information about Arthur Wharton and Walter Tull, two of the earliest black players.

Why not visit your local club and check out what it is doing to tackle racism. You could even make a few suggestions? :)
 
I think Songsheet makes a valid point. I'd go the line of sweet smiles and pleasant nods until the sale goes through. Do what you want thereafter.
 
Melendez, a threat was made against my property. He said he would do "whatever it takes to stop these "onions" moving in". If the property was mysteriously burnt to the ground and I hadn't reported what he said to the police, sweet smiles and pleasant nodding is not going to do me any good at all.
 
Taken from the FA's own website.

Lucy Faulkner, The FA’s Ethics and Sports Equity Manager, says that the Week of Action will help emphasise an already powerful message.

“That message is simple: racial abuse is unacceptable, illegal and will be acted upon. We are unequivocal in our condemnation of racism.

"Football has made great efforts to remove racism, and – in the professional game – the work of such partners as Kick it Out and Show Racism the Red Card has produced noted improvements.

“With the Week of Action focussing people’s attention on the subject, I can only underline the fact that we will ensure that The FA and its constituent bodies take the appropriate sanctions against any person involved in affiliated football who commits discrimination, racism, harassment or bullying offences.”

PC Markham adds that the Met Police also have their True Vision packs available with instructions on how to report abuse: “How people report crime is up to them. There are a number of options available, so whether people are comfortable with reporting the incident or not, there is always a way they will find easiest.

“True Vision packs can be found in a variety of pubs, clubs, libraries and health groups. They contain forms which can be filled on anonymously and sent to your local force.

"Hopefully, the national publicity which comes as a result of Kick it Out’s Week of Action, will again prove significant in the fight against hate crime.”

The FA’s third Football For All conference is being held at Walsall FC on 1 December when a series of workshops will be held. These will look a such topics as; how to increase the number of Asians in the professional game, the development of more black coaches and managers, how to engage more Asian women and girls in football and helping develop talent from Asian and minority ethnic communities.
 
I have now lived in Surrey for nearly 2 years and I still can't believe how racist people are, I put it down to the people not being brought up with other groups of people as 99% of the people where I live are white.

It doesn't surprise me one bit the trouble you have had!

It also makes me laugh how you don't know the neighbour that well, mine hasn't said hello in the two years I've been here, people are quite cold down here!
 
Craig,

The house is actually empty, and had been sine Feb 2005. I live in Berkshire, hence why we rarely saw him.

I have a feeling he told me he moved from his last place in Kingswood(?) when some Arabs moved in. This might be why he doesn't want more of them moving in next door to him now.

Does anyone know if I can sue this man if the sale of the house falls through?
 
Kathy, have you yet spoken to your solicitor who's acting for you? I am sure he (or she) will be very pleased to advise you on whatever action you can take against this moron. Don't do anything until you speak with him - he may know the best way to tackle the situation, which may well be that a letter from him to the FA, and/or whoever employs this cretin, carries more gravitas than any amount of personal approaches from you. You might find that that is more than enough. Say that if you don't feel protected enough by such action, you'll speak to the local Press. Local rags are usually only too happy to get in first on what might be a highish-profile 'smear' against this person - in fact, who knows, this may well not be the first time he's bullied his way on such an issue.
 
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