Racism casts a long shadow over sports worldwide. Athletes of color face everything from racist taunts from fans to stereotypes about their abilities. Leadership positions in sports leagues are often filled by white coaches and managers, limiting opportunities for people of color. Media coverage can also be biased, downplaying the achievements of minority athletes. This lack of equal opportunity and representation can have a devastating impact on the mental well-being of athletes. The fight against racism in sports requires ongoing commitment from athletes, leagues, and fans.

The list of African footballers and other players who have suffered racism on the pitch is dishearteningly long. These talented athletes, who bring so much skill and passion to the game, are forced to endure abhorrent abuse from fans and even sometimes from opponents.

Nico Williams

Young Spanish forward Nico Williams took a break from social media after facing a barrage of online abuse from Athletic Bilbao fans. His disappointment came after missing key chances in the Copa del Rey semifinal against Osasuna, leading to their elimination. While the San Mamés crowd remained supportive, frustration spilled over online, with fans resorting to insults and disrespect. Williams' representatives acknowledged the "hard blow" of the loss and subsequent online pressure, emphasizing the need to combat such negativity. This incident sheds light on the harsh reality some athletes face - online abuse overshadowing genuine support and casting a shadow over missed opportunities on the field.

Mouctar Diakhaby

Valencia CF's La Liga match against Cadiz was marred by a walkout sparked by alleged racist abuse. Defender Mouctar Diakhaby accused Cadiz player Juan Cala of racial slurs during the first half, leading to a heated exchange and a yellow card for Diakhaby. In a strong display of solidarity, the entire Valencia team, led by captain José Luis Gayà, walked off the field. After a tense 20-minute standoff, Valencia returned to finish the game without Diakhaby, who was visibly shaken by the incident. While Valencia condemned the racism and manager Javi Gracia emphasized support for Diakhaby, Cadiz offered a more neutral statement condemning racism and xenophobia without directly addressing the accusation. Notably, Cala has yet to respond publicly. This incident reignited discussions about the persistent problem of racism in football, with Gayà lamenting that "it's lamentable that this kind of thing is still happening."

Other Incidents

Other players who have suffered racial abuse in one form or another include Antonio Rudiger, whose allegations of abuse during Chelsea's victory at Tottenham underscore the prevalence of racism in football. The year 2019, for example, was marked by consistent incidents of racist abuse across Europe at both club and international levels. From England's Euro 2020 qualifying win against Montenegro, where Danny Rose expressed his desire to end his career to escape the constant abuse, to numerous instances in club football such as racist chanting during matches, social media abuse directed at players like Tammy Abraham and Paul Pogba, and even incidents involving fans chanting racist songs, the scourge of racism continues to plague the sport. Despite efforts such as player boycotts and increased social media monitoring, the problem persists, highlighting the need for ongoing and concerted action to combat racism in football.

At IPAYP, we will continue to engage with clubs, authorities, and fans and other stakeholders to address the issue of racism and discrimination in sports.