COULD someone please explain to me the ins and outs of racism as it would apply to me, a white Englishman.

I ask this question after seeing on television some of the comments made by the Australian press on the English prior to the recent rugby world cup final. I won't bore you by reciting them, but to say they were extremely derogatory to the English as a race is an understatement.

Let us imagine the British press afforded the same treatment to, let's say, a touring cricket team. There would be a hue and cry and threats of legal action would surely abound.

The question I would like to ask is: Is racism a gate that only swings one way?

JOHN SMITH, Abraham Street, Blackburn.