This week I decided to tackle a very delicate topic which has been discussed greatly throughout social media, especially this year.
Some may think that it is about time that I am writing about racism now, but I found it very difficult to speak out about an issue considering the fact that I do not suffer from racism and that means that I cannot even begin to understand what people go through when they get racially abused. This year, stories about athletes who suffer racial abuse are being put in headlines much more, as finally everyone realised the importance about raising awareness regarding this issue. Everyone can agree that the life that we are living in is very difficult considering that we are actually going through a worldwide pandemic. While thinking that in 2021, the world has developed and broaden its way of thinking, there are still people who think that it is right to abuse people of a different skin colour. This is affecting the mental health and performance of athletes and in some cases, taking away their freedom to express themselves globally as they cannot take it anymore. In this blog, I will be mentioning some instances where racism was present and the response that it received. Reece James Removes his Instagram Account
We frequently hear about racist incidents happening at stadiums, when they are generally filled. Now that fans cannot attend stadiums, they are using social media in order to still share their hate.
Chelsea issued the following statement in order to support Reece James and his fight against racism:
"Everyone at Chelsea FC is disgusted with the racist abuse Reece James received on social media on Friday evening. This club finds racism and all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. We totally condemn it. In sport, as in wider society, we must create a social media environment where hateful and discriminatory action are as unacceptable online as they would be on the street. We add our voice to those urging social media platforms and regulatory authorities to take stronger, more effective and more urgent action against this despicable behaviour. Something needs to change and it needs to change now." Fourth Official Displays Racism in a UCL Group Stage tie
With fans being prohibited from attending sporting events due to the Covid-19 pandemic, one would expect that athletes would have to face less racist situations while playing. The problem is, that even people who work in the game hold this hatred, and this was displayed in the Champions League Group Stage tie between Paris-Saint Germain and Turkish side Basaksehir.
UEFA stated that the Romanian has been suspended for "inappropriate behaviour during a UEFA match for which he was appointed" and that now he will be have to "attend an educational programme before the 30 June 2021."
Glen Kamara Experiencing Racism Against Slavia Prague
UEFA has opened an investigation to look into the events that occurred with Kamara issuing a statement through his lawyer Aamer Anwar saying, "There is no place for racism or any form of bigotry in football.
"Since summer many of us have taken the knee in solidarity with those who have lost their lives to racial violence. If UEFA genuinely wants to 'show racism the red card', then it's time to stop the tokenism and take a zero-tolerance approach. "As a player I do not expect myself, nor any other to have to tolerate racial hatred on or off the pitch in 2021. The vile abuse by Ondrej Kudela, took place on the internation stage and any failure to act by UEFA will be viewed as a greenlight for racism. "During yesterday's match with Slavia Prague, Kudela was arguing with a Rangers player and after I tried to intervene, he told me to shut up and then said 'one second my friend'. He then came over to me covering his mouth, leaning into my ear, he uttered the words 'You're a f****** monkey, you know you are.' I was shocked and horrified to hear such racist abuse from a professional football player. "Kudela's claim he simply swore at me and said 'You're a f****** guy' is a complete utter lie, which does not stand up to any form of scrutiny. Kudela's actions were deliberate and premeditated, but he was loud enough for my team-mate Bongani Zungu to hear what he said. "I am grateful for the unconditional support of my team, our club and especially our manager Steven Gerrard. I want to thank not just our Ranger fans, but the many fans from across the football community and beyond, for calling out racism not just against myself, but also fellow player Kemar Roofe, who was subjected to a tirade of racist bile on Instagram."
I can spend a whole day writing about different racist incidents that take place in football. From taking the knee and from several initiatives by footballing bodies, these athletes are still suffering from racism while only doing their work.
So what can be done? There is always the possibility of having more people from different cultures in the boardrooms. In my opinion, people who do not experience this type of discrimination cannot fully understand what people that actually receive this abuse feel. We can only sympathise and be there to hear them and tell them that we are in the fight with them. Only someone who went through the same situation can fully help an athlete to gain justice and put a firmer stop to racism.
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