Jonathan, England
I'm white but play 5-aside twice a week with a lot of the khalsa boys. most are players of good ability; I think more asian players will come to the fore in the english league. A friend of mine is the coach (an excellent one at that) of the khalsa under-15's and already has several of his kids on the books of Coventry and Leicester.

I can't claim to have seen any racism against asians playing football from scouts or others who work for football clubs. There is however still a bit of racism in the Sunday league from yobs who clearly have small IQs.

Shin Kin Ryu
The reason why asians do not make the grade in professional football in the UK is because Asians tend to be far too individual when playing in a team. Most of them think they are Maradona and think they can take on the whole team. The ability is there but their mentality is not.

Physique has nothing to do with it, this is precisely why the Japanese National team are so successful. They have a group of players who play as a team and have amazing teamworking abilities. They actually LACK a couple of individuals, I mean they have Nakata and Nakamura but they need a few more. This teamwork actually does come from their culture so its also a cultural thing!

alan
all that i can say is, fulham are giving Zesh Rehman every chance! he came through the youth accademy, has been on loan, played for the fulham first team! also, another footballer of asian decent is ex leeds player, Harpal Singh. he didn't get into the first team at leeds, but he has been given a taste of first team football at bury.

Tim
I played sunday league for many years in an area with a large Asian population but can count on one hand how many I played with or against. Maybe it was that at amateur level, to play football was a social thing (team tactics always worked better on a friday night out in the pub). Even at junior football the ratio is about 50-1 at my son's club, for no other reason that no one has joined.

Of the few that have they have been treated no differently to anyone else, in fact if it wasn't for reading this article I wouldn't have even thought about it, they are people/friends not 'Asians'. Football, in my experience, is colourblind. If you're good enough or enthusiastic enough you'll do.

Bobby
Stop blaming racism, stop playing in asian only leagues, the cream always rises to the top and I'm sure there'll be a british asian in the premiership soon enough. Harpal Singh could even get a game for Leeds next season!!

Ani
Grow up lads... This racism thingy is just an excuse. If there was a wayne rooney of Asian origin, he'd also shine like the one we have now. Don't take the easy way out and blame the colour of the skin - this is 2004!! I am an Asian, and tell me frankly, how many of us will try our luck in landing a career in football - which is reserved for the luckiest few, rather than trying to get settled as a Doc or Engineer - which is a lot "easier"? I think where there is a will, there is a way. So stop complaining about the race and start putting in some hours in the pitch.

danny
Perhaps it's because Asians don't share the same football mentality of the Europeans and may struggle to make the grade because of this. I do believe the colour of their skin doesn't help also and must be addressed.

doody
i believe we need to look at the game more seriously at grassroots level. our amateur leagues have a very amateur set up; we need to have a professional regime. i also believe there is a lot of bickering within these localised set ups often ending in rivalry instead of harmony. get thinking in a professional manner or forget about it.

nasa
i still feel that asians are seen to be different, some are not given the chance at all. with regards to the parents not supporting, the perception parents have is that the kids will not be allowed to fit in and will be seen as outcasts.

in cricket an asian is given a chance to play for the country but after 1 game or so he is put on the sidelines and then it's forgotten he even exsists. it happened to the likes of v. solanki and k. ali. these palyers have the potential to be one of the best but they are not given the chance to prove themselves.

Hafez Adil
i recently played in an under 16 asian tournament where i saw children with great potential but i believe the reason asians do not flourish in football is due to their parents. they believe it is mandatory for their child to study. a boy in my local area was offered a trial for tottenham but his parents refused.this is what i believe is the biggest problem: PARENTS.

Rick
I have to say I'm anazed that there are football leagues solely for Asian players. Clearly racism does exist in football. As far as Asian players plaing in the premiership, it's inevitable and will be a good thing for the game. Just keep trying hard and enjoying playing.

As for Maestro [far below] having a sulk because Birmingham haven't sent a scout to watch you after you wrote to them. Imagine how many people (of all backgrounds) write letters to these clubs every week.

Raj
The question is not about Asians playing around the world. Clearly the structure exists in China, Korea and Japan for great young players to be produced. Some of them will end up playing in the UK. The documentary was about BRITISH Asians - too many in here are missing the point. Did you even listen to the show?

Clearly there are some reasons why this huge population produces so few professional soccer players. As a Scottish Indian I have experienced racism on the football pitch but if I had the skills of David Beckham I am confident I would be selected by my local club. What club could afford to turn down a great young Asian player?

I think the situation is different in England, where you are less reliant on schools football and where there are many more ethnic teams and leagues. It still doesn't explain why scouts choose not to visit these leagues.

J
I'm asian, and racism can work both ways. My cousins play in asian only tournaments. What's that all about? Surely that's racist? Racism in football DOES happen, but I think some Asians who don't make the team use it as an EXCUSE.

Also if you want trials, try more local and semi-pro clubs, don't just play 5-a-side football, join local teams. White, Black, Asian - if you work hard at your game and are driven enough, the majority of you will find the level right for you. Be it Milan, Harrow Borough or a local Sunday side.

S Morris
I help out with a Nth London U15's team in the Harrow Premier League and we have two outstanding asian players. Sadly both players have to lie and argue with their parents to train and play. To this day after 2 years I still havent met their parents or have seen them support their talented boys from the sidelines.

Martin
I'll think you'll find Asian players already palying in the Premiership, or are you being prejudiced yourselves?? I know at least one Chinese player in the premiership...Racism?? not at all...

jaki ahmad
We are always encouraged to do well in education rather than sports.

Vishal
I think we (Asians) suffer from an inferiority complex due to the unfair stereotypes attached to us. At a training session, you'd look around and see a white player and say 'yeah, he belongs here', a black player and say 'he belongs here' but see an Asian and the preconception starts -'what's he doing here? he doesn't belong here on a football pitch, he's Asian...' That plays on the psyche and affects his performance.

If the media gave more credit to teams like Korea for reaching the World Cup semis rather than calling it a flash in the pan, maybe then people would sit up and take notice of Asian football and footballers.

I disagree with Manchester crew [comment near bottom] about no Asian 'making the grade'. Your national captain just about 'made the grade' with the most basic footballing ability and a good right foot, don't tell me there aren't at least 50-odd Asians who can top his repertoire of skills on a football field!

Dan
I am sick and tired of listening to this. There are players from all over the world playing professional football - how can you say that they are just rascist against Asians? Why do you always revert back to the rasism card when things don't go your way?

Maestro [far below] - you may think you're good enough to make it as a pro - along with 10m other people out there. They don't have time for everyone so I really wouldn't take it personally. Perhaps if you joined a different team rather than stick to playing with just Asians you might get somewhere.

Also if Asians are such good footballers why is your national team never got into a world cup? Japan have, South Korea have, China have, yet India has never? What does that tell you? In fact, here's a card for you - a red one - for even bringing that into the argument! YOU'RE OFF!!!

Neil Doshi
This is an extremely interesting and informative documentary. Here's hoping that football, the one sport that has brought so many nations/ethnicities together already, can be capacious enough to include a new member.

Anto
My Cuz was accepted my Leicester City around 10 years ago after a successful try outs with them but his farther said no. That’s all it boils down to there are many great Asian players but their parents think about what they will do say they have a career ending injury.

Craig Cowling
personally i know of one asian who got offered the chance of a pro contract if he stopped wearing a turban (so he could head the ball). he refused. fair play to him.

ironik
Asians are a talented bunch, u just have to look at cricket teams to find that out. many asians have represented the english national team so why is it so different in football? Look at France - the ethnic groups have been there for a shorter period of time than the asians in England but in France they are playing football at the highest level. why? unlike in england they are given the opportunity because they dont care about who u r?

David
Even though football is very much a business nowadays, I still feel that Asian players are not given due respect. Milan this year have recruited Vikash Dhorasoo who is a Mauritian Hindu. 5 years ago he was being tipped as the next Zinedine Zidane but because of problems with his coach, he has only now at the age of 30 got the recognition he deserves. Having said that, my guess is that it is only a matter of time for things to change as I have heard about this great Man U prospect who is of asian origin. Moreover, last year Fergie bought this 19 year old chinese player whom he has earmarked for the future.

Jaspal
Myself and a few of my cousins were very close to getting a YTS for Brentford, but of course, there were our good old families, telling us how racist the world was and how we'd just get knocked back down and how we should just go to university and carry on as normal asians do. I'll be glad when the old generation has gone and we can start teaching our kids about 'forward thinking'. I bet Michael Owen's family supported him all the way, from schoolboy level right to where he is now. I can't see that happening in an asian family.

Nahbz
Asian players lack confidence and that's due to the lack of clubs and scouts willing to look at them! My uncle runs a Sunday League for asians and has not had a scout come there to this date after running for 15 years!

Amn Kaur
i thinks that it will tke tym, bt in tha future ther will b mor asians in footie. i mean luk at harpal singh, he hasn't hit tha big time yet, but he aint given up yet. its tha same with music. ppl r beginning to appreciate bhangra n bcoz of it ppl lyk juggy d n the rishi rich project r helpin do that.

Kris
Harpal Singh has been on the books of Leeds united for some time, but has failed to make the grade, its as simple as that. Talk of hidden agendas and institutional racism is just a kop out, and really a tired argument.

I am aware that there is a dearth of recognised Asian players in the football leagues of Britain, yet the answer lies in making the cultural aspects of football seem more attractive and accesible to the wider Asian community.

Manoj Mistry (Texas, USA)
It may take an Asian player making it big overseas before the English take things seriously. I wonder if the Brazilians or the Portugese clubs really care what country of origin or region a talented player is from? It's about talent, ambition and discipline only.

Just like British tennis, British football will have a better & stronger chance of competiting on the international stage when the powers that be start including EVERY fabric of British society. Until that day comes Great Britain will always under achieve in these sports.

sal
I have supported Leicester City for almost 25 years and living in Leicester having heard and seen what the club is doing with Asians seems just a big PR exercise. They send people to work with kids in the local parks but how committed are they do actually find and develop an Asian player?

Amrit
It's a mixture of culture and Asian players not having the desire to break through. There isn't the determination and desire to do everything to make the grade. I've known coaches to turn down Asian kids because they know they'll carry on with their studies rather than try and cut the grade as a footballer.

We just have to go and put ourselves on display - work hard for wanting to play football the same way we would for our exams to become a doctor or lawyer & it will happen!

Jeeva PaceBowler
Asians are much more interested in cricket & hockey. The Westernised Asians are playing football now. It is up to the scouts to now to forego all the past stereotypes and bring them through. Simple!

MOHAMMED MAJID
I think far too few scouts go around looking for Asian talent i have personally seen young kids who can have a big say on the football pitch, but it is all down to that big chance. We need our local top clubs coming and advertising for training sessions around the country and giving kids a chance which they never seem to do. You might find the Asian Owen right around the corner from your house.

Ranjith Ramanathan
Deep rooted racism is widespread. White and even black people I have come across have pre conceptions about Asian players. It would also help if Asian players would play less amongst themselves in thier own leagues and show what they can do more. In time Asian players will definitely come to the fore, it's just a pity that it's taking so long due to barriers for the current generation.

Batty
There needs to b an exceptional Asian player bursting on the seen to end the myths... we need an Asian Wayne Rooney!!

rich
I have had many asian friends at school who were by far the best football players i have played against, i asked why they would not consider a footballing career and the main reasons are to do with racism, its getting better but it still cannot be denied that racism is sadly still socially acceptable in many situations, theres still a long way to go.

Maestro
This time im am going to apply again using two names. one english name and one asian name. I will find out which clubs takes me on with my english name and which doesnt with my asian name. That will prove if the clubs are racist or not!

Maestro
im from birmingham. I wrote to blues, villa, west brom, coventry, walsall all these clubs i asked for a trial. Got one letter after a year from blues sayin they had no time. not even one scout or club helped me.

Andy
It cannot be a discriminatory issue due to number of black players who make the grade. I think it is definately a cultural/family barrier which is a shame, because I know - having played in the same team as some asian lads - that there are some very talented individuals out there in non-league footy.

Raj
In Scotland there have been very few Asians in football (other than Jas Juttla who played for Morton). However we are more than fairly represented in Scotland's cricket & hockey clubs and national teams. I don't feel there is discrimination, but there are many isolated incidents of racism. Unfortunately few young Scots of any race get opportunities to play with Celtic, Rangers or other clubs nowadays.

up the rams
Once you get your prejudiced coloured glasses off, you see the football.

Maestro
I'll choose 11 asian players i know, we'll organise a game with an english team and we'll see who wins? it's as simple as that!

Maestro Munchani
I think that there is racism towards asian players, i can name and know a lot of asian players ive seen which are better than some professional footballers. I've wrote to a few clubs myself interested in playin but all I got was letters sayin no time. In one case with birmingham city I received a letter which I still have a year later sayin they aint got a scout to watch me. someone explain that to me. If it's not racism, what is it?

HAROON
I think there are many high class fotballers out there and some of them are asian. I simply think many of them simply don't try, for example I recently attended a football trial at Birmingham City FC, and I was very surprised and nervous because I was the only asian there. I think many asians are nervous or shy because they think the majority of people attending would be white

Hari
i think asian footballers will be hitting the limelight in the coming years - take michael chopra for instance, he's an amazing talent. but it usually does come down to the families, they'd rather their sons be lawyers or doctors.

Ridwan
I spent so much time studying that I had no time for football, and frankly, I'm glad I spent all that time studying!

Iain
There is no proper discrimination in football. It is a business. Clubs want the best, they don't care about ethnic backgrounds!

Jake Hadlee
Because sport is about ability, not other people's opinions, it is an area where racial discrimination is bypassed more easily than anywhere else. If a guy can play, he can play - that's all that matters.

As with a lot of areas where we talk about "racial" issues, the issue is really cultural. The colour of a man's skin does not make him a good or bad footballer, but those who grow up in an environment that puts other values ahead of sporting achievement are less likely to make it as professional sportmen or women.

We don't say Australian are racially better swimmers, but their culture values swimming achievement so they are the best in the world at it.

Madcon fusion
There's gonna b loads of Asian footballers in the future in the Premiership and I know they'll keep the same standard as the rest of the Premiership players. Ut's good with diversity, and see how well some of the Asian teams did in the World Cup 2002. Think that's an indication of what is going to come!

Ashley
The main reason that there are not many Asians in football is because of their families. Asian parents usually want their kids to be lawyers or doctors and to stay out of the media, which I think is a shame because it would be so great if Asians can shine in the limelight - especially football.

Afsheen
It's inevitable that Asian talent will shine thru in football, after all we've been unstoppable in every other aspect of British life - history is on our side.

sami
u play really gd and hope u keep on the gd work :)

......
trus me we need mooooore asians they got da talent but it aint being shown

manchester crew
maybe it's just down to asian lads not making the grade for the standard of football nowadays. cultural differences? discrimination at grass roots? or the failure of the big clubs? that's all rubbish and just another excuse for a moan about the colour of skin.

brown eyes
i feel there is more talent within the asian community to become world class footballers. i feel the current system fears asian footballers coming through as they may take over, as it is not asian tradition.

Dave
While listening to the documentary I was shocked to hear people still talk about the Asian "physique development" and not "being strong enough". South and East Asians (Chinese, Japanese etc) are stereotyped in the same way but now have quite a few players in the top leagues of Europe such as Italy, Spain etc.

And their national teams, especially Japan, can compete with any top European nation and are climbing up the world rankings. There is no reason or excuse for South Asians not being able to play at the highest level, it will come. Shape, size, how tall you are, stuff like that should not be mentioned anymore.