Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
SWANSEA midfielder and British South Asian superstar Yan Dhanda, while responding to the recent comments by Greg Clarke, has said that the mistreatment of Asian people in football is often 'swept under the carpet'.
Dhanda added that he would be happy if a suitably-qualified British Asian applies for FA chairman post.
In an interview to Sky Sports News, Dhanda opined that Clarke’s remarks ‘undo good work of so many in the game’
Clarke resigned from his role as FA chairman last week after making a number of offensive remarks before a digital, culture, media and sport committee, which included using the word "coloured" to describe black players.
He also went on to suggest the lack of South Asians in the game, in comparison to Afro-Caribbean people, was down to the fact they had 'different career interests' such as IT.
Asian-led supporters' groups across the country have criticised the remarks.
According to the former England youth international Dhanda, Clarke's comments illustrate how little progress has been made in the fight for equality across the game.
"To be honest, I can't believe someone so high up in the FA and someone so powerful in football can even be saying comments like that," Dhanda, whose father Jas hails from the northern India state of Punjab, told Sky Sports News.
"The way he was talking about women's football, the words he was using towards people from different races and from different parts of the world is disgusting really, and obviously the bit that hurt me the most is what he was saying about Asian people and stereotyping them.”
Dhanda thinks an ethnically diverse candidate could thrive in the role of FA chairman, but says ultimately it must go to the best person for the job.
"Nobody has even mentioned South Asian people doing the job and being in charge. This is my point and has been my point for four or five years that they always get overlooked," he said.
Dhanda said that the ‘mistreatment’ of Asian people is just getting brushed under the carpet and people are sugar-coating it and saying things are changing.
“When you are Asian, you actually know it is not improving. And you have got people like Greg Clarke who are that high up thinking this way towards Asian people, so you never know how many people below him, or above him, or even with the same power as him are thinking the same things,” he said.
"Until that changes we are never going to make any progress. We are not making progress when people like Greg Clarke are making comments like that."
Former Liverpool and West Brom youngster Dhanda, who is one of the most high-profile British South Asian players in the English game.
"The thing that gets me the most is people are sitting on the fence and not sticking up for what's right.If you're an Asian person and you're getting interviewed, and you're asked if there are problems, don't sugar-coat it to not upset anyone, just be honest and tell the truth, and that's what I am doing,” he said.
A 19th-century painting in Wiesbaden sees a massive visitor surge.
Fans spotted a direct link to the opening shot of The Fate of Ophelia.
Museum staff were completely caught off guard by the 'Swiftie' invasion.
They are now planning special tours to capitalise on the unexpected fame.
The question on everyone's mind: did Taylor Swift visit this place herself?
It is not every day a quiet German museum gets caught in a pop culture hurricane. But that is exactly what has happened at Museum Wiesbaden, where a painting of Shakespeare’s Ophelia has become a pilgrimage site. The reason? Taylor Swift’s latest music video for The Fate of Ophelia kicks off with a scene that looks ripped straight from their gallery wall. Suddenly, they have queues of fans where usually there is just quiet contemplation.
The Ophelia painting that Swifties say inspired The Fate of Ophelia becomes an overnight sensation Instagram/taylorswift
How did this Ophelia painting become so popular?
To be honest, it was simply hanging there. Friedrich Heyser’s work from about 1900. It is lovely, sure, but it was not a headline act. Then the video drops. And you see it immediately in the pose, the white dress, and the water lilies. It is practically a direct copy or, let us say, an homage. Fans on social media connected the dots in hours. Now the museum cannot believe its luck. Visitor numbers went from a few dozen admirers to hundreds, just over one weekend, like a whole new crowd for a century-old painting.
What has the museum said about the surprise attention?
They are thrilled, but a bit stunned. A spokesperson said it was a "shock" and they are having an "absolute Ophelia run." Can you blame them? One minute you are managing a classical collection, the next you are at the centre of a global fan phenomenon. They tried to reach Swift’s team, but they had no luck there. But they have leaned into it completely. Now they are organising a special "Ophelia reception" with guided tours. Smart move, right? It is a perfect storm of high art and pop star power, and they are riding the wave.
The big question: did Taylor Swift actually visit?
This is the real mystery, is not it? How did this specific painting, in this specific German museum, end up as the template for a mega-budget video? The staff are wondering the same thing. She was in Germany for the Eras tour last July. Did she slip in, incognito? Did a location scout send a photo? The museum thinks they would have noticed if Taylor Swift was wandering their halls. Who knows? It is the sort of stuff that feeds fan speculation for years. Whatever the facts, the painting's life has been irreversibly altered.
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