Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has battled against racism for most of his professional career and the 32-year-old Ivorian recently called for “radical sanctions” against countries with racist fans.
On Tuesday, FIFA launched a monitoring system designed to crack down on the problem before the 2018 World Cup in Russia, whereby countries that fail to deal with racism could ultimately be banned from competition.
It’s a noble proposition by world football’s governing body that will surely test their moral fortitude whether it is to be actually implemented or not, but the topic of racism in sport often seems akin to trying to slam a revolving door.
It’s been over 10 years since Nike launched their famous “Stand Up Speak Up” campaign, which was initiated by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry following an increase in reports of racism in football across Europe. The movement had great initial success with many football players throughout Europe showing their support for the campaign by wearing the entangled black and white wristband as a sign of unity and equality, but 10 years down the line have we seen any real improvement in stifling racism in sport?
Since that campaign we’ve seen Dani Alves have a banana thrown at him, cricketer Andrew Symonds being called a monkey, league star Timana Tahu quitting State of Origin after racist remarks from assistant coach Andrew Johns, as well the most recent high-profile example, Chelsea fans refusing to let a black passenger on a train in France with the supporters chanting, “We’re racist and that’s the way we like it.”
Racism is not just exclusive to one sport or sport in a particular country. It happens in every sport, as well as just about every other walk of life whether it be in schools, the workplace or the community. Of course like anything there are different levels to racism, making a sly remark or joke is a bit more subtle than throwing a banana and making monkey noises, but it’s racism nonetheless and should not be tolerated regardless of the severity.
As with any issue, the bigger the problem the bigger the list of people speaking out against the problem. There are so many groups and organisations out there that strive to reduce and eradicate racism from sport and while their efforts are certainly noble and warranted, it doesn’t always stem the problem.
The reality is there is no quick fix or immediate solution to racism in sport. For as long as time has existed there have been bigoted, uninformed and prejudiced people and no amount of campaigning will change that, the issue is culture and whether a specific culture takes enough of a stance to deem a particular action wrong, punishable or unacceptable within that culture.
Of course different countries have different levels of acceptability when it comes to dealing with racism with the majority of western world countries tending to condemn its existence not only in sport but throughout society.
Sport is inclusive and impartial of politics, at least external politics, and generally is embracing of those from all cultures, regardless of beliefs or conceptions. That is why FIFA’s plan draws parallels to the IRB’s decision to exile South Africa from major competitions under the Apartheid regime.
If a nation were to be excluded from a FIFA World Cup it would certainly send a message to the international sporting community that racism will not be tolerated in football, but there is a big difference between campaigning against racism and actually banning a team from competition because of it.
Only time will tell if FIFA ultimately follow through on their threats, but for now it’s at least a step in the right direction.
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