#17 - Abuse in this country is immersed in our society. Can football contribute to ousting hatred and discrimination once and for all?

Football is a global phenomenon which should celebrate diversity and unite people from all over the world. The toxic turmoil of abuse engrained in society has threatened the demise of football for decades. This sport's indescribable joy and togetherness are constantly overshadowed by a parasite that won't stop rearing its ugly head. Can our 'beautiful game' help destroy this demon and create the purity in football and society that we all so desperately crave?

Discrimination has been an issue which has never properly been handled by any type of authority. A continuous cycle of initial disgrace is quickly subsided with boredom until the issue inevitably gets ignored. With seemingly no consequence, what's preventing abuse from continuously taking place?

The Covid-19 pandemic proved to everyone that football without fans lacks the passion and intensity that is needed for everyone involved to truly enjoy it. However, with the empty stadiums last season caused by the coronavirus, abuse has simply shifted from the grounds to the screens. Social media has given anybody the freedom to express their opinions across any platform of their choice which is sporadically used in a very negative way. The spineless leadership and authority in this country have failed to acknowledge the impact that abuse has on individuals, including athletes. The reluctance shown by apps such as Instagram and Twitter to remodel their systems will have a damaging effect on the future of our society the longer this issue remains. With an increase of media attention being drawn to each disgraceful incident which gets revealed, surely it will only be a matter of time before something changes? 

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, 24, recently said: "Only time will tell if the situation improves. But it's not improved over the last few years." 

Rashford, who has received an MBE in honour of his campaign to force the government to change their policy over free school meal vouchers during lockdown, was subject to vile racist abuse after the Euro 2020 Final alongside England teammates Jadon Sancho, 22, and Bukayo Saka, 20. These three footballers represented our country with pride which they've carried since playing for England was a childhood dream of theirs, and a small minority attempted to tear them down when they were at their lowest. 

An immense act of solidarity was shown at a heartwarming mural in Withington, Manchester, in support of Rashford shortly after the painful defeat to Italy on penalties. The collectiveness displayed made it clear that abuse has no place in society and will forever be contested with love and unity.      

Photo by @marcusrashford

     

Although technology may have advanced an enormous amount in the past decade or so, actions such as filtering or blocking abusive content and an improved verification process are still too advanced to be equipped effectively. Whilst this may be the case, no significant actions have been taken by social media platforms to prevent a continuation of online abuse. Research carried out by 'Centre for Countering Digital Hate' shows that 97% of 330 accounts sending misogynistic abuse on Twitter and Instagram remained on the site after being reported, despite the platforms stating on numerous occasions they're against any form of discrimination. 

Social media's rise to prominence has been met with online abuse which hasn't been replaced but merely added to abuse in general. 

Gillingham Women's striker Kara Fordjour, 21, said: "As well as the abuse players receive from social media, people still have the allowance to make degrading comments in the flesh which don't result in extreme repercussions.

"Governing bodies need to provide education in schools on racism so that children at a young age know how to prevent themselves from engaging in racial violence." 

After The Gills' 3-0 Kent Cup Final triumph over Dartford on Thursday evening, Fordjour and Gillingham Women had plenty of reason to celebrate, as they ended the season with a trophy. However, Fordjour's journey to this point hasn't been the easiest. 

Fordjour said: "I'm a female footballer who is of colour so of course I've been discriminated against. I don't feel like I've been given equal opportunities as others and my character has also been described as 'lazy' and 'disruptive' for no credible reason.

"I'm not alone in thinking there's a massive problem within women's football. There's a lack of ethnic minority female footballers and this is something the governing bodies have to take a look at."  

Photo by @sammalliaphotography

Discrimination in football regarding race and gender has consistently been an issue, not only for the abuse it receives but also in preventing a level playing field. Former Watford hero Gifton Noel-Williams made over 400 professional appearances in his career but believes his race has affected his opportunities as a coach since retiring as a player. 

Noel-Williams said: "I still think there is an unconscious bias.

"There isn't a lot of transparency in how people are recruiting, how they are getting jobs and picking people.

"I'm not asking anyone to give me a job, all I ask is for someone to give me chance." 

The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) however have made strides toward an inclusive coaching environment by creating a scheme to increase the amount of black, Asian and ethnic minority coaches in the game. 

Alongside the PFA, other major governing bodies have highlighted the need to raise awareness for equality by advertising several campaigns strongly against any form of discrimination. 'No Room for Racism' and 'Rainbow Laces' have been two of the most successful and popular campaigns organised by the Premier League and they always gain sufficient media coverage without fail. The taking of the knee before each game has also become monumental in demonstrating everyone's fight against racism.

Premier League chief executive, Richard Masters said: "Everyone involved in the Premier League has a long-standing commitment to tackling racism and all forms of discrimination. 

"Racism in any form is unacceptable and our 'No Room for Racism' campaign makes our zero-tolerance stance very clear." 

Whilst there are optimistic signs of potential change, collective enthusiasm against discrimination is severely lacking for any real movement or reform to shift this generational, societal issue. Football has shown its unity on multiple occasions across a broad scale of setbacks, so why not the fight against discrimination? A complete overhaul of perception and education needs to be implemented before we can truly take on and conquer this poison to our planet. Yes, football might only have a microscopic impact on society's perspective and behaviour, but any sized impact no matter how modest will be significant in overcoming this detrimental matter.