Football has long
been celebrated as a unifying force, bringing together fans of diverse
backgrounds under the banner of a shared passion. However, this same sport also
exposes some of the most glaring contradictions in human behaviour,
particularly when it comes to racism. One of the most perplexing forms of
racism in football is when fans passionately support Black players on their own
team but direct vile racist abuse toward Black players of opposing teams. This
phenomenon, often referred to as selective or situational racism, underscores
how deeply ingrained prejudice operates even within seemingly progressive
environments.
The Paradox of Support and Abuse
Imagine a stadium
filled with fans cheering on their star striker, a Black player who has led
their team to countless victories. These same fans, in the heat of competition,
hurl racial slurs at a Black player from the opposing team. This paradox is not
rare; it has played out in countless matches, with supporters failing to
recognize the inherent hypocrisy of their actions. How can someone idolize one
Black player and dehumanize another?
The answer lies in
the intersection of racism and tribalism. Football fandom often fosters an “us
vs. them” mentality, where loyalty to a team overrides broader ethical
considerations. Within this framework, a player’s value is determined not by
their humanity but by their utility to the fan’s chosen side. A Black player on
"our" team becomes an exception—a hero worthy of adoration. A Black
player on "their" team remains subject to the same racist stereotypes
and dehumanization that exist in wider society.
Why Does This Type of Racism Occur?
Selective racism in
football is a manifestation of both implicit bias and societal conditioning. At
its core, this behaviour reveals how individuals compartmentalize their
prejudices. Supporting a Black player on their own team does not challenge a
fan’s underlying racial biases; instead, it creates a conditional acceptance
based on performance and allegiance.
Several
psychological and social factors contribute to this behaviour:
1.
Cognitive Dissonance: Fans often experience conflicting beliefs—they support diversity
on their team but fail to extend that acceptance universally. To resolve this
dissonance, they rationalize their behaviour, seeing "their" Black
players as exceptions while maintaining biased views toward others.
2.
Tribalism: Football creates an "us vs. them" dynamic where rival
players are dehumanized, making it easier for fans to project prejudice. In
this competitive framework, racial slurs become a tool to unsettle opponents
and assert dominance.
3.
Historical Context: Sports have historically celebrated Black athletes for their
physical abilities while denying them full respect and equality. This duality
persists in modern football, where players are revered for their skills but not
always valued as individuals.
4.
Social Norms and Anonymity: In large crowds, social accountability diminishes, enabling fans
to act on prejudices they might suppress in other settings. Online platforms
amplify this issue, allowing fans to abuse players without immediate
consequences.
Emotional Disconnect and Real-World Examples
The tribal nature
of football fandom intensifies these contradictions. Fans view their team as an
extension of themselves, creating a sense of ownership and identity tied to the
players. Black players on their team are "ours" and therefore shielded
from the racist attitudes that are directed outward. This emotional disconnect
allows fans to rationalize their behaviour, separating individual players they
admire from the racial group they continue to stereotype or demean.
The contradictions
of selective racism have been evident in numerous incidents. During Euro 2020,
England fans were quick to turn on Black players Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho,
and Bukayo Saka after they missed penalties in the final. Despite being celebrated
for their contributions to the national team, these players faced a barrage of
racial abuse online. At the same time, fans continued to idolize Black players
on their favourite club teams, highlighting the conditional nature of their
support.
Another striking
example occurred during a match between Inter Milan and Juventus, where Romelu
Lukaku, a Black player for Inter, faced racist chants from opposing fans.
Meanwhile, Juventus supporters cheered for their own Black players,
illustrating the selective application of their prejudices.
What Can Be Done to Address This?
Combatting
selective racism in football requires a multifaceted approach:
1.
Education and Awareness: Clubs, leagues, and governing bodies must implement educational
initiatives to help fans understand the impact of their actions and confront
their implicit biases. Awareness campaigns like “Kick It Out” have made strides
but need greater reach and consistency.
2.
Accountability: Swift and severe penalties for racist behaviour, both in stadiums
and online, are crucial. Governing bodies must enforce bans and fines, sending
a clear message that racism has no place in football.
3.
Community Engagement: Teams and players can work with communities to promote inclusion
and mutual respect. Role models in football can influence fan behaviour by
speaking out against racism and fostering dialogue.
4.
Peer Pressure: Fans themselves play a critical role. Calling out racist behaviour
in the stands and on social media can shift cultural norms, making it socially
unacceptable to express prejudice.
5.
Technology: Social media platforms must take responsibility for curbing online
abuse by improving moderation and enforcing stricter policies against hate
speech.
The selective
racism displayed by football fans highlights the complexities of prejudice in
modern society. It serves as a reminder that racism is not always overt or
consistent; it can be conditional, situational, and deeply ingrained. By
addressing these contradictions head-on, football can become a true force for
unity, demonstrating that loyalty to a team should never come at the expense of
another’s humanity. As fans, we must ask ourselves: if we can support a Black
player on our team, why can’t we respect their humanity everywhere?
References:
1.
"Selective Racism in Sports:
Understanding the Contradictions" - Journal of Sports Sociology
2.
Kick It Out Campaign: https://www.kickitout.org/
3.
"Racism in Football: A
Historical Perspective" - Football Studies Review
4.
BBC Sport, "Racial Abuse After
Euro 2020 Final," July 2021. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football
5.
"Romelu Lukaku: A Target of
Racist Chants in Serie A," The Guardian, April 2023. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/football
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