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SBL determined to show actions speak louder than words

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Slowly, slowly has never been the right approach to tackle racism or antisemitism, especially in the football world. With this in mind, I must commend The Society of Black Lawyers for their hands-on approach in an attempt to eradicate the disgusting songs on the terraces at White Hart Lane and that accompany matches involving Spurs.

The PFA recently unveiled plans that included partial mention of antisemitism at football grounds, but they sounded a bit wishy-washy and half-hearted if I'm honest. It appears that this group is determined to stamp it out once and for all.

Think before you sing. That's the message from the SBL, who say: "If the behaviour does not cease by November 20, the matter will be reported to the Metropolitan Police Service for investigation." A firm hand and zero tolerance is the only way forward.

* Although things haven't gone to plan this season, the decision to remove Malcolm Newman and Josh Newman as the management team of London Maccabi Lions A surprised me as much as it did several managers in the JC MSFL. Under the Newmans, they appeared to be going places, with Malcolm’s experience and tactical nous crucial on the sidelines, while young Josh was part of a well-drilled and organised team. When I saw them twice last season, it was hard to spot a weakness and I predicted that they would win the title in the next couple of seasons.

However, a player exodus, which started with JC Goalkeeper of the Year Sam Castle asking for a transfer, told me that something was not quite right. And when star striker Mike Pearson and Alex Bowman walked away, the warning bells started to ring. Now Andy Landesburg must steady the ship and ensure the team is back on course for when the new manager arrives.

* Having failed to impress at the 2012 London Olympics, it was good to see swimmers Jason Dunford and Anthony Ervin shine at the FINA World Cup Series. Kenyan Dunford claimed his third gold and sixth medal overall when winning the 50m butterfly in Tokyo, while American Ervin won gold and bronze.

* The Norstar A management team of Phil Peters and Jamie Slavin, the no. 2, will celebrate their 100th game in charge when they take on Mitch Young’s FC Team A on Sunday. I’m sure their players will try that extra bit harder to register what would be their first win of the season.

* The JC MSFL champions of the last two seasons – Redbridge Jewish Care A and Hendon United Sports Club A – go head-to-head on Sunday, with both teams looking to close the gap on league leaders Faithfold A. Looking ahead to the game, Hendon boss David Garbacz said: "There are few harder places to go to than Fairlop for an away match against Redbridge. Expect a humdinger of a game with lots of goals as both teams place emphasis on attack and the all-important three points."

Redbridge captain Adam Hakimi believes his team starts with a psychological edge. "It's always a tight game with Hendon who are tremendous competitors that fight until the very end," he said. "We haven’t lost in six games in all competitions against them and look forward to the battle ahead."

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