( CNN ) -- The global appeal of football can hardly be doubted . It is said the membership of ruling body FIFA exceeds that of the number of member countries in the United Nations . Furthermore , football is attributed the status of being one of only two entities that are truly global languages . Music is the other . The passion of this sport has been known to halt armed conflicts and to unite rivals , all for the good of the `` Beautiful Game . '' I venture that there is nothing within the sphere of the human social arena that can transcend or perhaps even challenge the passion and fixation associated with this truly global sport . More than a kick in the universal grass , football is a script that translates without interpretation , that amends without severe changes , that entertains an informed audience , and pleasures even the most casual and naive observer merely through its grace and simplicity . Aside from its widespread appeal and acceptability , football provides opportunities for personal development , social exposure and travel . It is a tool for product marketing and even tourism . It is participatory with no regard to social and economic status . The impact of this great and wonderful sport is evidenced in the excitement of the pauper and through the accolades from the palaces of the royal fans . It is because of all these things , and more , that the `` Beautiful Game '' deserves to be respected , preserved and immortalized . Arguably those players and administrators who have emerged as notables should be lionized ; some may even revere them as icons and deified gods . I will not lend myself to such lofty thinking . I am a mere lover of the `` Beautiful Game '' -- one who has trotted through the athletic portals and has been blessed to perform on its many green expanses . Discipline is integral to successfully achieving in this sport . Discipline to get there , discipline to maintain your performance , and discipline to sustain your humbleness as the benefits accrue . There is even the element of self-discipline to accept when your role alters , and to accept that neither you nor anyone else is bigger than the `` Game . '' Challenges have always been present in this sport , and although some have mutated over time as the game became more global , others remain problematic . Perhaps it is symptomatic of modern society that despite the diversity of practitioners and the potpourri of fans , the ugliness of racism seeps through . Is it so ominous that we should shudder in fear ? Is it so idiotic that we can attempt to minimize it by not diverting great resources towards its eradication ? After all it is only the ignorant and the inebriated that dare spoil this pristine scene . I offer this explanation : The `` Beautiful Game '' is not immune from the variances and the often pejorative behaviors that inculcate the minds of many in our community . The same unpredictability that causes people to riot at an event celebrating Gandhi or Martin Luther King Jr. -- the same mob mentality that sends fans crashing and burning all in their paths after their favorite team has triumphed in some distinguished competition -- is the same uncontrollable factor that leads to much of the racial abuse . We can do much in terms of our formal response . We can be infinitely creative in proactive initiatives . However , what has never been done -- and what will never be accomplished -- is to legislate an attitude . The hallowed sanctums of the `` Beautiful Game '' will survive because it is the `` Beautiful Game . '' It is neither the cause nor the panacea of society 's ills . It is an avenue that has shown that it offers resiliency and relief come what may . Respect it , enjoy it and it serves us well .
Martin Luther King Jr. is known as only two of the first black players to establish himself in England . Best was a striker who played for West Ham United between 1968-1976 . He says racism in sport is for `` the ignorant and the inebriated '' Best argues that football is the `` Beautiful Game '' and it should be enjoyed and respected .