Racism in Football

Racism in football has a long history, rooted in societal prejudices that have unfortunately spilled into the sport. Historically, Black and minority players have faced racist chants, slurs, and discrimination from fans, media, and sometimes fellow players. In the early days of football’s integration in Europe, particularly from the 1970s onward, Black players like England’s Viv Anderson, the first Black player to represent England internationally, endured constant racial abuse from fans and were often singled out as "other" within their teams.

This racism continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with Black players becoming more prominent across top leagues, yet still facing exclusionary treatment. Despite increased visibility and growing acceptance, fans would often hurl bananas onto the pitch or make monkey noises as an expression of racial hostility. Organizations like UEFA and FIFA, aware of these recurring issues, launched initiatives to combat this discrimination. Campaigns like “Kick It Out,” founded in 1993, aimed to address racism in football through community education, policy enforcement, and awareness, though incidents still persist.

Raheem Sterling, a modern symbol of resilience and progress in football, has been at the forefront of the fight against racism in today’s game. A prominent player for both Manchester City and the England national team, Sterling has used his experiences of racial abuse to push for accountability. After facing racial abuse from fans during a 2018 Premier League match, Sterling spoke openly about the role of the media in perpetuating racist stereotypes. He noted that Black players often face biased portrayals in the press, which can fuel negative public perceptions and indirectly validate harmful fan behavior.

Sterling’s outspoken stance has inspired widespread discussion on the structural racism that persists in sports media and fan culture. His influence has contributed to increased anti-racism efforts within the Premier League, such as the "No Room for Racism" campaign, aimed at educating fans, penalizing offenders, and providing resources for players who experience abuse. Sterling’s advocacy underscores the role of athletes in addressing societal issues, as he continues to leverage his platform to challenge racism within football and push for equality and respect for all players. His impact exemplifies how players can shape the culture of sports, encouraging both fans and organizations to confront and dismantle discriminatory practices.

CHECK YOUR LEARNING

What historical incidents reflect the racial abuse Black players faced in football during the 1970s and 1980s?
How did the media contribute to racial stereotypes about Black footballers, according to Raheem Sterling?
What role has the "Kick It Out" campaign played in combating racism in football?
How did Raheem Sterling respond to the racial abuse he experienced in 2018, and what impact did it have?
What initiatives have football organizations like the Premier League and UEFA launched to combat racism in the sport?
How does Raheem Sterling use his platform to challenge racism within football and society at large?
In what ways have fans historically expressed racial hostility during matches, and how has this changed over time?
How does the portrayal of Black footballers in the media reflect broader societal attitudes toward race?
What are some positive outcomes of Raheem Sterling’s activism in addressing racism in football?
How can footballers’ activism, like Sterling's, contribute to wider societal changes regarding racial equality?

The Damned United

The Damned United functions as a powerful social commentary, using Brian Clough's 44-day tenure at Leeds United to expose the culture of 1970s English football. The film represents this world as a gritty, working-class environment defined by aggressive masculinity and physical toughness. It was a culture characterised by heavy drinking, smoking, and a deep resistance to new ideas. Clough’s arrogance and forward-thinking methods clash violently with this traditional, male-dominated establishment, revealing the intense rivalries and insular loyalties that governed the sport.

The film also offers a clear critique of the prevalent social prejudices of the era. Racism is shown as an overt and largely accepted part of the game. Sexism is evident through the complete marginalisation of women, who are absent from the professional world and confined to domestic roles. Furthermore, the film subtly critiques the era's latent homophobia through the central relationship between Clough and his assistant, Peter Taylor. Their deep emotional and professional intimacy is portrayed as essential to their success, yet this bond is shown to be at odds with the hyper-masculine environment, which views such closeness with suspicion. The narrative frames the breakdown of their partnership with the emotional gravity of a romantic separation, highlighting the societal pressure on men to conform to a narrow and emotionally restrictive ideal.

The 1970s Culture: According to the text, what are three key features of the 1970s football culture represented in the film?
The Central Conflict: What is the main source of conflict between Brian Clough and the Leeds United football establishment?
Representing Prejudice: The analysis states that racism and sexism are shown in the film. Describe how the text says each of these prejudices is represented.
Analysing Homophobia: Explain how the film uses the relationship between Brian Clough and Peter Taylor to explore the theme of homophobia.
Media Terminology: The text describes the film as a "powerful social commentary." In your own words, what does this mean?
Character and Theme: Brian Clough is described as having "arrogance and visionary ambition." How do these character traits cause him to clash with the traditional football world?
The Role of Women: The analysis notes that women are "confined to domestic roles." What does this detail suggest about the world of professional football as portrayed in the film?
Overall Message: Based on the text, what is the film's main message about the past? Why do you think a film made today would choose to represent this era in this way?