Racism in European Soccer: The Fight Continues-Latest Incident Highlights Persistent Issue
On Sunday, England’s national soccer team will face Serbia in their opening game of the Euro 2024 championship in Germany. UK police have reassured the racially diverse squad that any online racist abuse will be taken very seriously. However, this assurance comes against the backdrop of a troubling history of racism in European soccer.
Backdrop of Racism in Soccer
After England’s defeat in the Euro 2020 final against Italy, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka faced a barrage of racist abuse online. This incident sparked widespread outrage and led to arrests of several perpetrators. Prince William, president of England’s Football Association, expressed his disgust at the abuse directed at these young players.
Since then, soccer’s governing bodies, including the FA, UEFA, and FIFA, have intensified efforts to combat racism. Strategies have been implemented to prevent and punish racist behavior, both on the field and online. Despite these measures, incidents of racism continue to mar the sport.
Recent Developments and Legal Actions
A recent court decision in Spain exemplifies the tougher stance against racism. Three Valencia fans were sentenced to prison for racially insulting Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior. The offenders received eight-month prison terms and two-year stadium bans, reflecting the growing intolerance for racist behavior in soccer.
Bukayo Saka, one of the players targeted after Euro 2020, is back on the England team for Euro 2024. With heightened vigilance from UEFA observers and social media monitoring, Saka might have hoped for a less hostile environment. However, recent events suggest that progress in tackling racism is far from complete.
Media’s Role in Perpetuating Racism
Racism in English soccer recently made headlines again, not due to fan behavior, but the mainstream press. After England’s 1-0 loss to Iceland in a friendly match, media outlets singled out Saka with sensational headlines and images, despite his limited role in the game. This move was seen as an attempt to scapegoat the Black player for the team’s overall poor performance.
Prominent figures like Ian Wright and Sir Lewis Hamilton criticized the media’s actions. Wright highlighted the media’s role in setting up Saka as the face of defeat, while Hamilton called for accountability in how Black players are portrayed.
Calls for Responsibility and Change
Tony Burnett, CEO of the anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out, addressed the issue in an open letter to the press. He questioned if the media had learned anything from the Euro 2020 aftermath and emphasized the harmful impact of racial bias. Burnett urged the media to consider the broader implications of their choices and the message they send to the public.
Ongoing Battle Against Racism
Despite efforts from organizations like Show Racism the Red Card and Kick It Out, racism remains a persistent issue in soccer. While these groups work tirelessly to combat discrimination, individuals must also take responsibility for their actions. Awareness and mindfulness in communication are crucial in the fight against racism.
As the Euro 2024 tournament progresses, the hope is that no player, regardless of skin color, will be unfairly targeted. Soccer is a game that should unite, not divide, and it is imperative that everyone stands together against hate. The recent incident involving Saka underscores the need for continued vigilance and action to eradicate racism from the sport and society.
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