‘When you score, you’re English. When you miss, you’re an immigrant’.

 

Racism in sports is reaching unseen levels of prominence, with several instances in 2021 alone. When looking at the history of racism in sports, one of the worst things about the racism displayed this year is how predictable it was. Racism has long been found in European sports, and intensifies when players of color are placed under an international spotlight. Why is the idea of terminating racial inequality in sports still so unattainable, especially with inclusiveness being such a major part of the 21st century’s social agenda? 

 

The conclusion of the Euro 2020 Finals saw appalling racist behaviour directed towards the three England players who missed penalty kicks against Italy. Surpassing criticism, the previously beloved players were suddenly subjected to racist abuse, online as well as through acts of defamation. Marcus Rashford’s mural was destroyed, later restored by fans. “The FA strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and is appalled by the online racism that has been aimed at some of our England players on social media,” a statement released by the English Football Association said. “We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behaviour is not welcome in following the team. We will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible,” it added. This incident superseded the football community and became a concern for the British government, with Boris Johnson stepping in to further condemn the behaviour of citizens in acting so brashly. 

 

Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1 driver for Mercedes and seven-time world champion, faced a similar dilemma, though calling it a dilemma may be downplaying the situation. The 36 year old driver was targeted online mere hours after his victory, following his 8th record Silverstone Grand Prix win, after fighting back from a 10-second penalty for a first-lap collision that ended up with rival Max Verstappen in the hospital. The backlash raining upon Hamilton, racist in nature, was prominent on his Instagram account, and Facebook took prompt action in removing several unacceptable comments. Much like the Football Association, the FIA promptly released numerous statements deeming such behaviour atrocious, with other F1 teams stepping in to publicly show support for Hamilton. Hamilton has been a vocal advocate during the Black Lives Matter movement and recently started The Hamilton Commission, an organization aimed towards increasing diversity in employment in motorsports. 

 

What makes sports fans automatically react in abusive ways? Criticism is often confused with racism, and frequently displays itself in hateful forms, which are ultimately detrimental to both the credibility of the sport as well as the wellbeing of the athlete. Calling out systemic discrimination and acknowledging systemic privilege are the first steps to tearing down the suffocating walls of institutional racism. The roots of the aforementioned incidents can both be traced to white privilege, and misdirected anger. The severity of racist abuse towards African-Americans, and other sportsmen of color, is inexcusable, and every association in various sports all claim to strive towards achieving equality and increasing international acceptability yet there has been no progress. 

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Written by: Srijaa Chatterjee

Edited by: Ishani Patil

Designed by: Saira Arora