It continues to amaze that “The Beautiful Game” could be so ugly and stained by the ignorance of racism.
Despite the horrendous incidents, pleas for help, demonstrations, and tears of pain, soccer continues to plagued by racism and hate. No matter the level or country, the ignorance of fans continues to show its ugly face while attacking players. This past weekend is no exception.
Reece James, a defender for the Chelsea soccer team, took to social media to sound off on, and expose, the hate he received on Instagram.
“Racism is completely unacceptable!” wrote James on Instagram.
His emotional pleas for change is something that fans, players, and teams have been waiting on for too long in soccer.
“No room for RACISM!!” he exclaimed on Twitter, issuing another angry cry for change.
The team backed him up immediately, issuing a statement on the incident.
“This club finds racism and all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. We totally condemn it.
In sport, as in wider society, we must create a social media environment where hateful and discriminatory actions are as unacceptable online as they would be on the street.
We add our voice to those urging social media platforms and regulatory authorities to take stronger, more effective and more urgent action against this despicable behaviour.
Something needs to change and it needs to change now.”
James’ situation occurred just days after Anthony Martial and Axel Tuanzebe of Manchester United were also targets of online hate.
“We all have a part to play in making this world a better & more equal place! Racism is completely unacceptable! Human is our only race,” said James on Twitter.
FA, England’s Football Association, took to Twitter to condemn the situations, pledging to continue to work with teams and players to end this disgusting practice.
“We will continue to work with the rest of the game, the government and social media platforms to remove this- and all elements of- discrimination from our sport.” wrote the FA.
They definitely have a lot more work to do.
