English rugby fans could be banned from singing the famous anthem ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’ at matches because of the song’s apparent links with slavery. The iconic anthem which rings round the stands at Twickenham at all England home matches is being reviewed by the Rugby Football Union, which governs English rugby as part of a wide-ranging investigation into racism.
The song was originally written by a black slave in the American South during the nineteenth century and first became a mainstay on the terraces of Twickenham in the 1980’s around the time that England had two black wingers, Martin Offiah and Chris Oti, as their star players.
However, the RFU yesterday announced its determination to what it has described as an awareness to “accelerate change and grow awareness” despite the popularity of the song. A spokesperson for the RFU said: “The Swing Low, Sweet Chariot song has long been part of the culture of rugby and is sung by many who have no awareness of its origins or its sensitivities. We are reviewing its historical context and our role in educating fans to make informed decisions”.
Twickenham itself is plastered with lyrics of the song, and the including the marketing mantra ‘Carry Them Home’ is clearly part of the RFU’s strategy. One of the England’s star men Maro Itoje has said : “I don’t think anyone at Twickenham is singing it with malicious intent, but the background of that song is complicated”.
The former Brexit party MEP and big rugby fan has taken to Twitter to express his outrage. Mr Habib has said in response to the news “Absolutely no damn way. No one is stopping me singing Swing Low Sweet Chariot”.
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Current Affairs Correspondent | My name is Oliver Down I am 22, and a staunch brexiteer. I am a Bristolian lad who studied politics in Leicester. I believe in free speech and accurate journalism and I won’t be afraid to give you “the other side” of the story!
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