Racism in sport is a prominent matter that has surfaced the headlines recently. Whether it may be the sports response to tackle racism in more common scenarios outside of the sport or even going about preventing it in the sport itself. The message is the same. It has to be stopped, but what has been done, and what must be done ?

 

Following the death of George Floyd last year the Black Lives Matter campaign was a dominant voice in encouraging change. Televised sport, notoriously  regarded as one of the most influential platforms, with nearly half of the top 27 most watched events in history being sport had considerable power to encourage the message. 

 

The Premier League, England’s top division of football, is the most watched football league worldwide. Since the horrific incident involving George Floyd, the premier league has seen all sides take the knee and hold a minute silence before each game. Taking a knee is a protest against the unfair treatment of the black community, and has become a globalised symbol of fighting racism. This gesture is a protest however it can be argued it is doing no good in preventing the problem. Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha says kneeling ‘ has just become a part of the pre match routine and at the moment it doesn’t matter whether we kneel or stand, some of us  still continue to receive abuse.’ 

 

Zaha’s argument has a very strong cause and when referring to receiving abuse it can also come in the form of social media. Many black footballers have experienced following a match day racist abuse online however since specific identification is not needed to use an app such as Instagram it is easy for the authorities to just ignore the matter. Zaha stands in a means of saying more should be done, otherwise the problem will just become greater. The recent news of the European Super League has highlighted how the new generations must be educated in racism. Fans of football came together to destroy the league but the same effort and extent was not shown or was not prolonged enough to create substantial change concerning racism. 

 

So what must be done to minimise racism. First off, higher levels of security and identification must be needed on social media platforms to prevent people constantly getting away with vile abuse. Racism must have a greater punishment in society that will urge people to avoid using any form or racist lanaguag and will help them educate others to do the same which will emphasise the sincerity of the problem. Furthermore, it must be taught from a young age at school so the upcoming generations are respectful and sanctions must be ruthless regrading racism in school which will portray the ignorance of the actions and will help them understand it is completely out of order and so will create a society free of racism.