Cultural Diversity
In & Through Sport
Lesson Four:
Racism and Sport
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication
[communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for
any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the session you should be able to:
• Describe the term racism
• Identify how racism is manifested using sporting examples
• Examine own attitudes towards racism
• Explain the consequences of prejudice and discrimination
• Identify ways in which attitudes can be challenged
Task: Warm Up
Group work:
• Work in groups and identify various stereotypes that exist of
different ethnicities
• Try to think of both positive and negative stereotypes
Definition of Racism
• Racism is the belief that people are
inferior because they are of a
different ethnicity or cultural
background
• Quite often racism is prejudice
backed up by power, this is called
“Institutional Racism”
In the USA white and non-white
citizens were legally segregated
until 1964.
Racism in Football
Black and minority football players have experienced racism from fans
in England:
• Many black players who played in Britain, particularly during the
1970's and 1980's faced racial abuse from the crowds
• This abuse was in many forms, and included monkey chanting and
throwing bananas onto the pitch.
• Even though, as Rio Ferdinand acknowledges, this is less frequent
during today's matches, it does still happen, particularly in Europe.
Racism in European Football
• ESPN report on racism in European football:
Click here.
Comments of Racism
• “Prejudice and racism in any part of life is not acceptable, and
football should be no different.” Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
• “You have to look beyond race because as a human being you have to
experience the person from the inside first.” Henrik Larsson, Retired
Swedish footballer and current manager
• “Hating people because of their colour is wrong. And it doesn't
matter which colour does the hating. It's just plain wrong.”
Muhammad Ali, former professional boxer
Kick Racism Out of Football
• A campaign video from Kick Racism Our of Football (1996). After watching,
discuss the message of the video?
Click here.
Show Racism the Red Card
• A campaign video from Kick Racism Our of Football (2008). After watching,
discuss the message of the video?
Click here.
Task: Racism Discussion
In groups, discuss the following questions:
• How do you think the authorities should deal with the racist fans?
• Have you ever experienced or seen racism in school or on the
pitch? If so, how did you feel? If not, how would you feel?
• What policies does your club/school have to combat racism?
Case Studies
A collection of articles covering recent cases of racism in sport:
• Abiola Wabara – a black basketball player in Italy was racially abused and spat
on by “fans”. Click here.
• Suarez and Evra – after Suarez was suspended for eight matches for racial
abuse, he refused to shake hands with Evera. Click here.
• John Terry – an English footballer was cleared of racial abuse claimed by fellow
footballer, Anton Ferdinand. Click here.
• Sepp Blatter – the president of FIFA denies there is racism on the pitch. Click
here.
Racism: Challenging Bahaviour
Porto fined €16,700 by UEFA - April 2012
• The club was fined for their “fans‘” racial abuse of Manchester
City’s Mario Balotelli and Yaya Toure.
• Both players were subjected to monkey taunts during a game at the
Estadio do Dragao, Portugal
• For an article covering the issue, click here.
Racism: Challenging Bahaviour
Man Charged for Racist Gesture - April 2012
• A man was charged with making racist gestures during an FA Cup tie
between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield in January.
• He was charged with a racially aggravated public order offence.
• For an article covering the issue, click here.
Racism: Challenging Bahaviour
Police Investigate James Perch Twitter Abuse - April 2012
• Newcastle United defender James Perch has allegedly become the
latest footballer to be racially abused online.
• The comment was posted after Newcastle’s 2-0 victory over Liverpool
• For an article covering the issue, click here.
Racism and the Law
• In the UK, the Race Relations Act (1976) protects individuals from
being discriminated against on the grounds of ethnicity, nationality,
religious beliefs or ethnicity.
• This Act does not distinguish between whether racist practices were
done on purpose or not, it is concerned only with the fact that
racial discrimination occurred.
• This Act covers discrimination faced in employment, education as
well as in sporting arenas
Combating Racism
We can combat racism in life and in sport by:
• Having a greater awareness among fans and players
• Including more ethnic minority players in sports
• Taking a stronger stance taken by authorities, Governing Bodies etc.
• Implementing the EU’s White Paper on Sport
• Carrying out national campaigns such as Show Racism the Red Card
• Carrying out national & international campaigns against racism in sport
• Including equality clauses in athletes contracts
Thought for the Day
• A controversial advertisement from the UN:
Click here.