Comment: Darren Moore's words carry meaning in race row

Following last weekend’s unseemly scenes at Stamford Bridge, Moore was quizzed by the national press about his reaction to the alleged racial abuse Raheem Sterling received, his subsequent reaction to Sterling’s own reaction, his thoughts on Tyrone Mings’s decision to pull out of a radio interview, and his wider opinion on the prevalence of racism in football and the media.

It was a lot to get through. Not until 20 minutes into the press conference was Moore asked about the matter that was no doubt at the forefront of his mind – Albion’s next match against a fellow promotion candidate.

Unfortunately, Moore will have to get used to this. Even though it’s 2018, we still live in an age where black managers are a rarity, and his opinions, particularly on race, will continue to be sought out.

Chris Hughton is the only black British manager in the Premier League, which makes Albion’s boss one of the most high-profile black and British voices currently working in football.

In a perfect world, he would not need to answer question after question on this subject. In fact, he shouldn’t need to.

But we don’t live in a perfect world and Moore is aware he is in a position to help make a difference.

It shouldn’t be down to him to go over these issues with a fine toothcomb with, let’s be honest, a predominantly white press pack. But throughout history, the victim has always had to be responsible for change.

“When these things come up in your industry you do have to speak out, lend your support and try and help eradicate it,” said Moore.

Like so many black players and coaches in football, he is probably angry, frustrated and exhausted by this issue.

It’s 40 years since Albion’s Three Degrees braved the bananas and the monkey chants in blue and white stripes, and yet 40 years on, a banana skin is being hurled at Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

“Everybody thought we’d moved on,” said Moore. “But when incidents like this come about, one that’s been seen by millions in a high-level game, it is worrying. We thought we had moved on, far from it.”

For those of an Albion persuasion, there are two overriding feelings.

The first is pride. After being at the forefront of change in the late 70s on the playing field, there is now a chance the Baggies will be at the forefront of change in the dugout.

But the second feeling will be one of exasperation. To the wider world, Darren Moore is a pioneer, succeeding in an industry notoriously under-represented by members of the BAME (black and ethnic minority) community.

But to Albion fans, he is their manager, their local-boy-done-good, nothing more, nothing less.

“All the West Bromwich Albion supporters see is me,” said Moore. “They’ve got an affinity with me. My support is for them, to deliver a team they’re proud of.”

The fight against racism is one that shouldn’t still be taking place, but it is nonetheless.

And it’s not a matter Moore takes lightly. In the dressing room, Albion's head coach doesn’t like his squad playing music with racial slurs included in the lyrics.

He is more than willing to do his bit, and use his voice for good. It’s just a shame he has to, rather than simply getting on and managing his club like he deserves to.