This article draws on 2,500 responses from association football (soccer) fans to an anonymous online survey posted from November 2011 to February 2012 examining the extent of racism in British football.
The overall findings are that half of all fans are still witnessing or experiencing some form of racism. The rise in reports of racist abuse in football can be linked to Brexit, Kick It Out chief Roisin Wood has claimed.
Statistics gathered by the anti-discrimination charity showed reports of racism in English football rose by 43% - from 192 to 274 - 2019/20 season.
"We're seeing a lot of reports of 'go back to where you came from' which we haven't seen for a while which seems to be on the back of Brexit."
Despite the creation of anti-racist initiatives, such as Kick It Out, and a reduction in overt chanting, there exists a ‘colour-blind’ ideology amongst the game’s governing bodies and anti-racist organisations as the extent of the problem is largely being ignored.
What is Colour-Blind Ideology
Colour blind is the racial ideology that posits the best way to end discrimination is by treating individuals as equally as possible, without regard to race, culture, or ethnicity (Williams, 2011).
Colour blind protagonists have been in the forefront of ending racial discrimination in British football. The dept and height of this social mallady are far reaching to calling of black players to the three lions, signing of coloured players in British clubs, dress room social distancing and subtle behaviour in the Lockeroom.
Perhaps, more pronounced at the spectators stand; open abuse, molestation and sometime outright maiming of coloured fans. Than, chanting, social media abuse of fans may require more effort to curb than you can imagine.
How to Curb Racism in British Football
Re-Orientation: Fans call for a long-term focus on anti-racism based on engagement and education within a greater range of social settings and, short-term,
The implementation of more severe punishments by the game’s governing bodies to eliminate racist behaviour amongst fans, players and clubs.
Report Abuse to Police: For current and ex-players that continue to receive racial abuse through social media sites like Twitter, fans urge them to report it and place these matters in the hands of the police.
