racism in football research paper

Racism and Anti-Racism in Football

• © 2001
• Jon Garland 0 ,
• Michael Rowe 1

University of Leicester, UK

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• nationalism

Table of contents (7 chapters)

Front matter, introduction: contextualising racism in british football.

Jon Garland, Michael Rowe

Football, ‘Race’ and the Forging of British Identity

Standing together charting the development of football’s anti-racism, policing racism in football, a design for life: deconstructing the game’s national identities, mad dogs: england, the media and english supporters during euro ’96 and france ’98, conclusion: racisms and the cultures of football, back matter.

'Brilliantly researched and a must for anyone who really wants to get to grips with the facts. Every library should have one.' - Garth Crooks

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About the authors, bibliographic information.

Book Title : Racism and Anti-Racism in Football

Authors : Jon Garland, Michael Rowe

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230502529

Publisher : Palgrave Macmillan London

eBook Packages : Palgrave Social & Cultural Studies Collection , Social Sciences (R0)

Copyright Information : Jon Garland and Michael Rowe 2001

Hardcover ISBN : 978-0-333-73079-9 Published: 24 August 2001

Softcover ISBN : 978-0-333-96422-4 Published: 24 August 2001

eBook ISBN : 978-0-230-50252-9 Published: 24 August 2001

Edition Number : 1

Number of Pages : VIII, 223

Topics : Ethnicity Studies , Sociology, general , Popular Science in Sports , Social Structure, Social Inequality , Social Justice, Equality and Human Rights , Sport

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Confronting Racism in Football: Analysing the Failures and the Way Forward

• July 4, 2023
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The Issue of Racism in Football

Racism continues to be a persistent problem in football, as highlighted by recent incidents involving Heung-Min Son and Vinicius Jr. Son, a forward for Tottenham Hotspur, faced despicable racist abuse during a match against West Ham. The club promptly condemned the racism and called for action from social media companies and authorities. Vinicius, a player for Real Madrid, endured multiple instances of racism throughout the season, including a notable incident during a match against Valencia where he spoke out against supporters for their racist remarks. Real Madrid lodged a hate crime complaint, while Vinicius criticised the inadequate efforts of Spanish football authorities. These examples demonstrate the ongoing issue of racism in football, with the current responses falling short of expectations.

While there have been some efforts to combat racism in football, it is important to acknowledge that the progress made thus far has been limited. Various organisations and leagues, such as the Football Association (FA) and La Liga, have taken steps to condemn and address racism in the sport. However, these initiatives have not been sufficient to completely eradicate the problem. Racism still persists, and the measures implemented so far have not effectively addressed the underlying issues or fully resolved the tensions arising from racial discrimination. Therefore, it is clear that more significant progress is needed to truly confront and overcome racism in football.

The most common response has been the implementation of disciplinary measures against offenders, such as fines, bans, and stadium closures. However, these reactive measures fail to address the underlying causes and tensions that fuel racism. The FA and the English Premier League have spearheaded initiatives like the “Kick It Out” campaign, while UEFA has implemented the “No to Racism” campaign. Despite these efforts, racism persists, indicating the need for a more comprehensive approach.

Historically, racism in football dates back to the 1970s when targeted abuse against black players was rampant. Measures have been introduced, including stricter punishments and anti-racism campaigns, but they have primarily focused on individual cases rather than tackling the systemic roots of racism. To eradicate racism from football, a proactive and comprehensive approach is imperative.

Criticism of the Current Response

The way racism in football has been handled so far has received criticism because it hasn’t been very successful and has some major flaws. Simply punishing offenders is not enough to tackle the deeply rooted prejudices and discriminatory beliefs that exist. While punishments may deter some people from engaging in racist behaviour, they don’t address the larger societal and cultural issues that contribute to racism within the football community.

Efforts to combat racism in football have also encountered challenges in effectively educating and raising awareness among players, fans, and stakeholders. Campaigns such as “Kick It Out” and “No to Racism” have made significant strides, but they often struggle to engage with a diverse audience and fail to reach those who most urgently need to hear the message. Furthermore, the response lacks the necessary resources and long-term commitment required to create lasting change.

The response to racism in Spanish football is particularly concerning. The recent incident involving Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr during a match against Valencia exemplifies the inadequate leadership and response from La Liga. Despite the opportunity to take a firm stand against racism, the league’s leadership was lacking, leaving many disappointed. La Liga President Javier Tebas, instead of showing complete solidarity with the victim, denigrated Vinicius Jr himself. Such a response not only fails to address the issue but also creates an environment where players fear being targeted, doubted, and denigrated when facing racism.

The response from FIFA President Gianni Infantino was equally disheartening. Rather than criticising La Liga’s handling of the incident, Infantino merely “recommended” the adoption of FIFA’s three-step anti-racism protocol, which he shared on a temporary Instagram story. The protocol itself appears inadequate, as it allows for multiple instances of racial abuse before substantial action is taken. This leaves players vulnerable to repeated mistreatment and fails to create a safe and inclusive environment.

Vinicius Jr’s experience is not isolated, as he has faced racism in Spanish stadiums on multiple occasions. While La Liga points to legal action against fans and the Spanish football federation’s jurisdiction over referees, these efforts fall short of providing adequate protection and support for victims. Furthermore, the response from certain sections of the Spanish football media exacerbates the issue, shifting blame onto the victim and casting doubt on the experiences of players who endure racism. This kind of reporting perpetuates a culture of scepticism and undermines the seriousness of the problem.

To address the deep-rooted problem of racism in Spanish football, FIFA, as the global governing body, must take a stronger stance. Merely advocating for education is insufficient. It is crucial for FIFA to pressure Spain and other countries to implement stringent protocols and punishments that prevent players from being exposed to racism and hatred. FIFA should leverage its influence and consider warning that Spain’s hopes of co-hosting the 2030 World Cup are in jeopardy unless they demonstrate a firmer commitment to eradicating racism from football.

Urgent Measures for Player Protection and Collective Action

  To effectively address the persistent issue of racism in Spanish football, it is crucial to implement comprehensive measures that prioritise the protection of players and promote collective action against discrimination. The following initiatives, taking into account both positive and negative examples, can play a vital role in creating a safer and more inclusive football environment:

• Allocating Resources for Player Protection: Establishing dedicated staff to monitor the behaviour of fans across the stadium can help identify instances of racial abuse promptly. These staff members can work closely with security personnel to intervene and take appropriate action against offenders, ensuring that players are safeguarded from such vitriolic treatment.
• Stronger Consequences for Persistent Abuse: If racial abuse continues even after the initial pause and warning, it is essential to escalate the consequences. Matches should be canceled, and the opposing team should be awarded the points. This firm response sends a clear message that racism will not be tolerated in Spanish football and serves as a deterrent for future incidents.
• Swift and Unified Condemnation: All official entities involved in Spanish football, including clubs, governing bodies, and leagues, must condemn any acts of racism immediately and unequivocally. It is disheartening to witness examples where leaders fail to demonstrate complete solidarity. For instance, the recent incident involving Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr at Valencia saw La Liga President Javier Tebas denouncing the victim of racism rather than showing complete support. Such negative examples highlight the urgent need for consistent and unwavering condemnation of racism within Spanish football. On the other hand, positive examples can serve as models for effective action. For instance, Chelsea has taken a strong stance against racism by banning a season ticket holder indefinitely for alleged racist abuse of Spurs player Son Heung-min. This proactive measure demonstrates the club’s commitment to addressing and eradicating racism within its fanbase.
• Encouraging Commentators to Speak Out: Commentators play a significant role in shaping the narrative of football matches, and their voices reach a global audience. It is crucial to encourage and empower commentators to denounce racial abuse during broadcasts. By openly addressing incidents of racism and highlighting their unacceptability, commentators can contribute to raising awareness and fostering a culture of intolerance towards discrimination.

Implementing these measures requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including football authorities, clubs, media, and fans. By prioritising player protection, consistently condemning racism, involving commentators as advocates, and promoting education and awareness, the world of football can take significant strides towards eradicating racism from the sport.

It is imperative to remember that football has the potential to be a powerful force for positive change. By taking a stand against racism, avoiding negative examples that undermine support, and fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect, the possible change in Spanish football can inspire the world and contribute to a future where discrimination has no place in the beautiful game.

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Racism in football in portugal: perceptions of multiple actors.

1. Introduction

2. portugal fighting against discrimination and violence in football, 3. intersectionality as a new landmark: theoretical framework to conduct our study, 4.1. objectives.

• To determine the expression of racism and other forms of discrimination in football in Portugal from the point of view of direct and indirect actors;
• To analyze how perceptions of racism in football in Portugal are characterized according to gender, age, and participants’ condition;
• To assess the formal or informal strategies of the (ir)resolution of cases of racism in football in Portugal and their (in)effectiveness;
• To map potential measures for preventing and combating racism in football in Portugal.

4.2. Sample

4.3. questionnaire, 4.4. procedures, 5.1. discrimination in portuguese football, 5.2. racism in portuguese football, 5.3. victims of racism, 5.4. handling racism in portuguese football, 5.5. measures for preventing and combating racism in football in portugal, 6. discussion and conclusions, author contributions, informed consent statement, data availability statement, conflicts of interest.

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Share and Cite

Neves, S.; Topa, J.; Borges, J.; Silva, E. Racism in Football in Portugal: Perceptions of Multiple Actors. Soc. Sci. 2023 , 12 , 165. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12030165

Neves S, Topa J, Borges J, Silva E. Racism in Football in Portugal: Perceptions of Multiple Actors. Social Sciences . 2023; 12(3):165. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12030165

Neves, Sofia, Joana Topa, Janete Borges, and Estefânia Silva. 2023. "Racism in Football in Portugal: Perceptions of Multiple Actors" Social Sciences 12, no. 3: 165. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12030165

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Racism in Football

2023, Philip Ababio

The paper draws on current research to explore the dangers of various forms of discrimination in football. It focuses on some super stars' situation regarding racial abuse meted out to them by both players and fans alike. The paper also digs into how FIFA and other football governing bodies are handling the issue of racism.

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Stefano Armenia

Roger Welch

Within the framework of Critical Race Theory (CRT) this chapter discusses the extent to which law can play a useful role in combating racism in football both on and off the field of play. Specifically, the chapter addresses racism and connected hate speech by spectators, workplace colleagues and opposing players. In the context of the law’s role in engaging with racism in sport, CRT supports challenges to dominant ideas, about for example, the fetishism with criminal law intervention and consequential punishment as the formal response to spectator racism. With respect both to harassment within clubs and on-field racist abuse by opposing players, discrimination law can provide forms of redress. Moreover, the law should be developed so that even a single act of racist (or homophobic etc.) abuse could constitute a new tort of racial harassment with the result that the opposing player’s club could then be rendered legally responsible for any racist behaviour by one or more of its player during a match. However, the chapter also substantiates the perspective derived from CRT that the law cannot, in itself, resolve the problem of racism in society or the consequences of it. This applies to sport in the same way that it does to any other social and economic sphere. Law will only ever be a blunt instrument for eradicating racism as it operates on a case by case basis, and it cannot define in advance all instances in which racist behaviour can occur. In particular law cannot eliminate racist attitudes, and racism will always find outlets in both overt and covert forms. CRT reminds us that the law is at its most effective when it operates as part of a wider progressive social regulatory framework. In the sporting context this can take and should take the form of sporting rules which are more flexible and can have a greater generalised impact than is the case with legal rules. Consequently, the chapter argues in support of the introduction of anti-racist clauses into players’ and managers’ contracts and for the designation of on-pitch racism as a red card offence. We also argue that points deductions would constitute an appropriate punishment for clubs which fail to take effective action against players or spectators who systematically engage in acts of racist, Islamophobic or homophobic abuse.

Clive Palmer (National Teaching Fellow)

The phenomenon of skin colour in sport has the potential to amplify latent social attitudes in some people that are to the detriment of society, in anti-social racism, but also has the capacity to celebrate difference and cultural diversity adding to the richness of sport in others. By looking at the representation of blacks in sport and selected examples of racism some key questions about colour, and who cares are raised; are black people segregated in sport and from sport given that sport in the UK is a white dominated social pursuit? and, are the penalties for performers, for example football players found guilty of racial discrimination, sufficient to deter others from exhibiting racist behaviour? Then, some procedures intended to combat racism will be discussed, such as Kick it Out and The Six Point Plan (TheFA, 2012). The chapter concludes with optimism that despite racism apparently being on the rise, data over the past decade (2004- 2014) seems to indicate that the number of black athletes participating in sport is increasing.

Sport and Challenges to Racism

Steven Bradbury

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Real Madrid will walk off pitch in face of racism - Vinícius

Brazil and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior breaks down in tears at a press conference as he describes the feeling of playing while facing racist abuse. (1:43)

• Alex Kirkland
• Rodrigo Faez

Vinícius Júnior said he and his Real Madrid teammates are prepared to walk off the pitch if he faces more racist abuse from fans in LaLiga this season.

The Brazil international has been targeted by opposition supporters on multiple occasions, including at Valencia 's Mestalla Stadium in May 2023.

That incident eventually saw three fans jailed earlier this year, in what LaLiga said was the first guilty verdict of its kind in Spain.

However, Vinícius has also suffered racist abuse at Barcelona , Mallorca , Real Valladolid , Pamplona and Sevilla , as well as around derbies with Madrid's rivals, Atlético Madrid .

In an interview with CNN published on Wednesday, Vinícius said he and the team would act differently if faced with another situation like the one in Valencia, when the game was temporarily suspended after he identified fans in the crowd who had abused him.

"In the club, we talk about it more often," Vinícius said. "Not just me, but all [the] players said that if that happens, the next time everyone has to leave the field, so that all of those people who insulted us have to pay a much bigger penalty.

"In the case of what happened in Valencia, after the game -- after we thought about it -- everyone said that the right thing to do is to leave the field, but because you are there defending a team, we know that not everyone in the stadium is racist and were just there to watch the game.

"It's always very difficult to end a game, but with everything that's been happening, that each time is getting worse, we do need to leave the field so things can change as soon as possible."

LaLiga gathers evidence of racist abuse and passes it on to local hate crime prosecutors, who on several occasions have decided not to press charges.

The league has called on the Spanish government to change the law, to allow it to punish perpetrators directly; it also praised the Valencia ruling as sending "a clear message to those people who go to a football stadium to hurl abuse."

"Today I already see and feel the difference in Spain," Vinícius said on Wednesday. "Today -- maybe [some fans] are still racists -- but nowadays they are afraid to express themselves in the football field, and in places where there are a lot of cameras.

"And with that we will reduce racism, little by little. Of course, we won't be able to end it, but I'm already happy that I'm being able to change Spain's mindset."