The Shape-Shifting Spectre of Racism in 2025: A Disorienting Atlas of Denial and Reinvention

Why This Matters

Racism is not disappearing—it is mutating. In 2025, we are not simply dealing with open bigotry but with something more insidious: the systematic erasure, distortion, and repurposing of anti-racist language and frameworks. This essay does not point fingers at any one group but rather examines a global trend: the way racism is being simultaneously denied and weaponized for political, economic, and ideological gains.

This is not about assigning blame to individuals. It is about exposing the contradictions that allow oppression to persist while masquerading as progress. If we are to dismantle systemic discrimination, we must first recognize the ways in which it is being camouflaged, repackaged, and even used against those it was meant to protect.

Somewhere in Mumbai, a Dalit activist quotes Angela Davis while government officials dismiss caste oppression as "not real racism." Meanwhile, in Brussels, a bureaucrat quietly deletes the term "systemic discrimination" from an EU policy draft. In Texas, a schoolteacher hesitates before mentioning redlining, aware that the word "racism" itself has been flagged by new monitoring software. The spectre of racism hasn't disappeared—it's learned to wear new masks.

We are witnessing a global epistemological coup where the language of anti-racism gets hollowed out and repurposed. France's Interior Ministry now spends more on "anti-white racism" awareness campaigns than on combating Islamophobia. South African Twitter erupts weekly over #WhiteGenocide, a hashtag algorithmically boosted by Kremlin-linked bots. Brazil celebrates its first Afro-Brazilian vice president while paramilitary death squads continue cleansing favelas of "undesirables." The contradictions aren't accidents—they're the point.

The 21st century's great ideological magic trick: convincing the world that naming racism is more dangerous than practicing it. Look at how smoothly the machinery works:

Data Necromancy:

Turkey stops counting Kurdish minorities. Poland declares itself "ethnically uncomplicated." The U.S. Census Bureau, under pressure, shelves its racial disparity metrics. You can't prosecute what you can't measure.

Linguistic Jiu-Jitsu:

"Reverse racism" becomes a human rights complaint in Strasbourg courtrooms. "Woke" morphs from Black vernacular to global pejorative faster than you can say "George Floyd."

Marketplace of Victimhood:

Hindu nationalists weaponize "Hindu-phobia" while ignoring lynched Muslims. Israeli lobbyists rebrand apartheid as "demographic security." White nationalists perform elaborate grievance pantomimes on TikTok.

In the Global South, the script flips deliciously. Chinese engineers in Nigeria complain of "Black privilege." Gulf states market themselves as anti-racist for hiring Filipino maids—with biometric surveillance anklets. India's tech billionaires fund BLM protests in America while their HR systems automatically reject "lower caste" surnames.

The throughline? A frantic unmaking of solidarity. When Bolsonaro supporters and Black Lives Matter activists both chant "racism is a lie" (for diametrically opposed reasons), something profound has shattered. The masterstroke of 2025's racism isn't its cruelty—it's its fractal incoherence. It whispers: Your oppression doesn't exist, but mine is existential. Your data is fake, but my victimhood is sacred.

Perhaps most chilling is the institutional alchemy transforming anti-racist frameworks into their opposites. That DEI officer you hired? She now runs "cultural sensitivity training" teaching migrants to assimilate. That colonial restitution fund? Now bankrolling far-right think tanks studying "European demographic decline." The algorithms that once flagged hate speech now protect "majority sensitivities."

We are left with a planet where racism, like dark matter, is only detectable through its warping effects:

The way South African land reform gets labelled "racist" while British border policies don't

How "colour-blindness" only ever seems to benefit those who were never blinded by colour to begin with

Why Facebook bans "Black Power" memes but monetizes "Great Replacement" theory

The archive of this moment will read like surrealist poetry. UN rapporteurs pleading with Hungary to stop criminalizing refugee aid. Afrofuturist collectives hacked by Romanian ethnonationalists. The Museum of Modern Racism in Amsterdam (sponsored by Shell) displaying AI-generated "harmless stereotypes" as interactive art.

What emerges isn't racism's end, but its metastasis—a thousand localized infections each mutating to survive the antibodies of justice. The question is no longer "What is racism?" but "Who gets to define it today, in this room, at this hour?" The answer changes before you finish reading this sentence.

If we fail to recognize these patterns, we risk losing not just the fight against racism, but the ability to even name it. This isn't about proving who is the most oppressed—it's about resisting the strategic confusion that serves those in power. The struggle is not just against discrimination, but against the deliberate rewriting of history, the selective silencing of voices, and the false equivalencies that equate justice with persecution.

Racism thrives on division, rhetoric, and distortion. If today's great ideological battle is over who controls the definition of oppression, then clarity, truth, and solidarity are our most powerful weapons.

As I write this, three developments hit my feed:

A Kenyan court rules that calling someone "mzungu" (white person) is a hate crime.

Elon Musk's X Corp acquires the trademark for "anti-racism."

The beast grows new heads faster than we can count them.

The Dangers of Colour-blind Racism in Diversity Work

In recent years, the concept of colour-blind racism has gained significant attention in discussions about race, equity, and inclusion. Colour-blind racism refers to the ideology that ignores or minimizes the significance of race and racial disparities, often under the guise of treating everyone "equally" or "not seeing colour." While this approach may seem well-intentioned, it poses significant dangers to diversity work and perpetuates systemic inequities. This blog explores the concept of colour-blind racism, its implications, and why it undermines efforts to create inclusive environments.

What is Colour-blind Racism?

Colour-blind racism is a form of racism that operates under the assumption that ignoring racial differences will lead to equality. It is rooted in the belief that acknowledging race is itself racist, and therefore, the best way to combat racism is to avoid discussing race altogether (Bonilla-Silva, 2006). This ideology often manifests in statements like, "I don’t see colour" or "We’re all just human." While these statements may sound progressive, they erase the lived experiences of people of colour and dismiss the structural and historical realities of racism. By refusing to acknowledge race, colour-blindness allows individuals and institutions to avoid addressing systemic inequities and the ways in which race continues to shape opportunities and outcomes.

Here are some problems with colour-blindness,

Erasure of Racial Identity and Experiences

Colour-blind racism invalidates the unique experiences and challenges faced by people of colour. It suggests that racial identity is irrelevant, which can make individuals feel unseen and unheard. In diversity work, this erasure undermines efforts to create spaces where people of colour feel valued and represented (Neville et al., 2013).

Perpetuation of Systemic Inequities

By ignoring race, colour-blindness allows systemic racism to persist unchallenged. For example, if an organization refuses to collect data on racial disparities in hiring or promotion, it cannot address these inequities effectively. Colour-blind policies often maintain the status quo, benefiting those already in positions of power (DiAngelo, 2018).

Hindrance to Meaningful Dialogue

Diversity work relies on open and honest conversations about race and privilege. Colour-blindness shuts down these discussions by framing them as unnecessary or divisive. This avoidance prevents individuals and organizations from confronting uncomfortable truths and developing strategies to address racial inequities (Sue et al., 2007).

Reinforcement of White Dominance

Diversity work relies on open and honest conversations about race and privilege. Colour-blindness shuts down these discussions by framing them as unnecessary or divisive. This avoidance prevents individuals and organizations from confronting uncomfortable truths and developing strategies to address racial inequities (Sue et al., 2007).

Moving Beyond Colour-blindness in Diversity Work

To effectively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, it is essential to move beyond colour-blindness and adopt a race-conscious approach.

This may involve

# Acknowledging Race and Racism: Recognizing the role of race in shaping experiences and outcomes is the first step toward addressing inequities.

· # Collecting and Analyzing Data: Organizations should collect disaggregated data on race to identify and address disparities.

· # Facilitating Honest Conversations: Creating safe spaces for dialogue about race and privilege can foster understanding and collaboration.

· # Implementing Targeted Interventions: Policies and programs should be designed to address the specific needs of marginalized racial groups.

Colour-blind racism, while often well-meaning, is a dangerous ideology that undermines diversity work. By ignoring race, it perpetuates systemic inequities, erases racial identities, and hinders meaningful progress. To create truly inclusive environments, we must move beyond colour-blindness and embrace a race-conscious approach that acknowledges and addresses the realities of racism. Only then can we build a society that values and celebrates diversity in all its forms.

P.S - Just don't think by saying 'I don't see colour' means there is equality for all

References

Bonilla-Silva, E. (2006). Racism without Racists: Color-Blind Racism and the Persistence of Racial Inequality in the United States. Rowman & Littlefield.

Sue, D. W., Capodilupo, C. M., Torino, G. C., Bucceri, J. M., Holder, A. M. B., Nadal, K. L., & Esquilin, M. (2007). Racial microaggressions in everyday life: Implications for clinical practice. *American Psychologist, 62 (4), 271–286.

The Double Standards of Football Racism: When Tribalism Meets Prejudice

Football has long been celebrated as a unifying force, bringing together fans of diverse backgrounds under the banner of a shared passion. However, this same sport also exposes some of the most glaring contradictions in human behaviour, particularly when it comes to racism. One of the most perplexing forms of racism in football is when fans passionately support Black players on their own team but direct vile racist abuse toward Black players of opposing teams. This phenomenon, often referred to as selective or situational racism, underscores how deeply ingrained prejudice operates even within seemingly progressive environments.

The Paradox of Support and Abuse

Imagine a stadium filled with fans cheering on their star striker, a Black player who has led their team to countless victories. These same fans, in the heat of competition, hurl racial slurs at a Black player from the opposing team. This paradox is not rare; it has played out in countless matches, with supporters failing to recognize the inherent hypocrisy of their actions. How can someone idolize one Black player and dehumanize another?

The answer lies in the intersection of racism and tribalism. Football fandom often fosters an “us vs. them” mentality, where loyalty to a team overrides broader ethical considerations. Within this framework, a player’s value is determined not by their humanity but by their utility to the fan’s chosen side. A Black player on "our" team becomes an exception—a hero worthy of adoration. A Black player on "their" team remains subject to the same racist stereotypes and dehumanization that exist in wider society.

Why Does This Type of Racism Occur?

Selective racism in football is a manifestation of both implicit bias and societal conditioning. At its core, this behaviour reveals how individuals compartmentalize their prejudices. Supporting a Black player on their own team does not challenge a fan’s underlying racial biases; instead, it creates a conditional acceptance based on performance and allegiance.

Several psychological and social factors contribute to this behaviour:

1. Cognitive Dissonance:

Fans often experience conflicting beliefs—they support diversity on their team but fail to extend that acceptance universally. To resolve this dissonance, they rationalize their behaviour, seeing "their" Black players as exceptions while maintaining biased views toward others.

2. Tribalism:

Football creates an "us vs. them" dynamic where rival players are dehumanized, making it easier for fans to project prejudice. In this competitive framework, racial slurs become a tool to unsettle opponents and assert dominance.

3. Historical Context:

Sports have historically celebrated Black athletes for their physical abilities while denying them full respect and equality. This duality persists in modern football, where players are revered for their skills but not always valued as individuals.

4. Social Norms and Anonymity:

In large crowds, social accountability diminishes, enabling fans to act on prejudices they might suppress in other settings. Online platforms amplify this issue, allowing fans to abuse players without immediate consequences.

Emotional Disconnect and Real-World Examples

The tribal nature of football fandom intensifies these contradictions. Fans view their team as an extension of themselves, creating a sense of ownership and identity tied to the players. Black players on their team are "ours" and therefore shielded from the racist attitudes that are directed outward. This emotional disconnect allows fans to rationalize their behaviour, separating individual players they admire from the racial group they continue to stereotype or demean.

The contradictions of selective racism have been evident in numerous incidents. During Euro 2020, England fans were quick to turn on Black players Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka after they missed penalties in the final. Despite being celebrated for their contributions to the national team, these players faced a barrage of racial abuse online. At the same time, fans continued to idolize Black players on their favourite club teams, highlighting the conditional nature of their support.

Another striking example occurred during a match between Inter Milan and Juventus, where Romelu Lukaku, a Black player for Inter, faced racist chants from opposing fans. Meanwhile, Juventus supporters cheered for their own Black players, illustrating the selective application of their prejudices.

What Can Be Done to Address This?

Combatting selective racism in football requires a multifaceted approach:

1. Education and Awareness:

Clubs, leagues, and governing bodies must implement educational initiatives to help fans understand the impact of their actions and confront their implicit biases. Awareness campaigns like “Kick It Out” have made strides but need greater reach and consistency.

2. Accountability:

Swift and severe penalties for racist behaviour, both in stadiums and online, are crucial. Governing bodies must enforce bans and fines, sending a clear message that racism has no place in football.

3. Community Engagement:

Teams and players can work with communities to promote inclusion and mutual respect. Role models in football can influence fan behaviour by speaking out against racism and fostering dialogue.

4. Peer Pressure:

Fans themselves play a critical role. Calling out racist behaviour in the stands and on social media can shift cultural norms, making it socially unacceptable to express prejudice.

5. Technology:

Social media platforms must take responsibility for curbing online abuse by improving moderation and enforcing stricter policies against hate speech.

The selective racism displayed by football fans highlights the complexities of prejudice in modern society. It serves as a reminder that racism is not always overt or consistent; it can be conditional, situational, and deeply ingrained. By addressing these contradictions head-on, football can become a true force for unity, demonstrating that loyalty to a team should never come at the expense of another’s humanity. As fans, we must ask ourselves: if we can support a Black player on our team, why can’t we respect their humanity everywhere?

References:

1. "Selective Racism in Sports: Understanding the Contradictions" - Journal of Sports Sociology

2. Kick It Out Campaign: https://www.kickitout.org/

3. "Racism in Football: A Historical Perspective" - Football Studies Review

4. BBC Sport, "Racial Abuse After Euro 2020 Final," July 2021. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football

5. "Romelu Lukaku: A Target of Racist Chants in Serie A," The Guardian, April 2023. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/football

Why Stories of Black Excellence Haven’t Changed Racism and Prejudice

Systemic Racism Persists Across Centuries

Racism in the UK isn’t limited to individual prejudices but is embedded in institutions. For example, during the 18th century, Olaudah Equiano, a formerly enslaved African, became a leading abolitionist and author whose autobiography brought attention to the horrors of slavery. While his work contributed to the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade in 1807, systemic racism persisted in Britain through colonialism and discriminatory laws that disproportionately affected Black communities.

Fast-forward to the 20th century: Mary Seacole, a nurse during the Crimean War, overcame immense racism to aid soldiers on the battlefield. Despite her significant contributions, her legacy was largely erased from British history until recent efforts revived her story. This erasure is part of a broader pattern where Black contributions are acknowledged only when convenient, leaving systemic inequalities intact.

Even today, Black scientists like Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock and mathematicians like Dr. Nira Chamberlain are celebrated for their achievements, yet Black professionals face underrepresentation and wage gaps in STEM fields. These persistent inequalities demonstrate that individual stories cannot dismantle systemic barriers on their own.

2. Racism Endures Beyond Rational Evidence

Prejudice is not always rooted in ignorance but often in emotional biases and stereotypes. During the Victorian era, Black British people such as Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, a composer hailed as the “Black Mahler,” challenged racial stereotypes through their excellence. Despite his success, Coleridge-Taylor faced significant racism, and his achievements were often framed as exceptional rather than indicative of the broader potential of Black people.

A contemporary example is Marcus Rashford, the England footballer who has campaigned tirelessly for child food poverty relief. Despite his activism and recognition, Rashford has been subjected to racist abuse online and in stadiums. These incidents highlight how deeply ingrained biases persist, regardless of visible evidence of Black excellence.

3. Historical Erasure and Selective Recognition

Black contributions to British society are often erased or downplayed in history. For instance, the contributions of the Black Tudors, such as John Blanke, a trumpeter in the court of King Henry VIII, challenge the narrative that Black people were absent in British history before the 20th century. However, these stories are rarely included in mainstream education.

Similarly, in the 20th century, the Windrush generation played a critical role in rebuilding post-war Britain. While celebrated today, members of the Windrush generation faced systemic discrimination, housing segregation, and were later subject to the Windrush scandal, which saw lawful Black British citizens wrongly detained and deported.

4. Excellence Alone Doesn’t Change Power Structures

Stories of Black excellence are often framed as exceptions rather than reflections of systemic potential. Dr. Harold Moody, a Jamaican-born doctor who moved to Britain in 1904, founded the League of Coloured Peoples to combat racial inequality. While his activism laid the groundwork for later civil rights movements, structural inequalities remain entrenched.

Similarly, Claudia Jones, a political activist and founder of the Notting Hill Carnival, created spaces for Black cultural celebration and activism. Yet, economic inequality in the UK remains stark: Black entrepreneurs today are less likely to secure funding, and Black workers face higher unemployment rates and lower wages compared to their white counterparts. These disparities show that celebrating individual successes does not address systemic barriers to power and resources.

Examples of Black Excellence Across Centuries and Fields

1. The 18th Century: Olaudah Equiano

Equiano’s autobiography, The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, was a bestseller that helped sway public opinion against the transatlantic slave trade. As a prominent abolitionist, Equiano’s work challenged the idea of Black inferiority in a time of widespread enslavement.

2. The 19th Century: Mary Seacole

Mary Seacole’s self-funded efforts to care for soldiers during the Crimean War demonstrated extraordinary resilience and compassion. Yet, her contributions were overshadowed by those of Florence Nightingale until recent campaigns restored her rightful place in history.

3. The 20th Century: Harold Moody

Dr. Harold Moody not only provided medical care but also led the fight against racial discrimination in Britain. His activism laid the foundation for future equality movements.

4. The 21st Century: Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock

As a space scientist and advocate for diversity in STEM, Dr. Aderin-Pocock continues to inspire young people, particularly girls, to pursue science careers. Her work challenges stereotypes about who belongs in science but also highlights the systemic underrepresentation of Black professionals in STEM fields.

What Needs to Change

1. Reform Education to Address Historical Erasure

The UK education system must include comprehensive lessons on Black history, including the stories of the Black Tudors, the Windrush generation, and Black contributions to science, art, and activism. Teaching these histories can provide context for current inequalities and challenge racist narratives.

2. Address Institutional Racism

Institutions must implement policies that address systemic disparities. For example, the ethnicity pay gap and underrepresentation of Black professionals in leadership roles require urgent action. Public accountability through transparent reporting is crucial.

3. Invest in Black Communities

Targeted investment in Black businesses, schools, and cultural institutions is essential. Initiatives like Stormzy’s scholarship program for Black students at Cambridge are a step forward but must be matched by systemic reforms to improve access to education and resources.

4. Amplify Grassroots Activism

Supporting grassroots organizations that combat racism and empower Black communities is key. Groups like the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton preserve history and advocate for change, but they need greater funding and support.

5. Create Systemic Change

Policy reforms must address structural inequalities in housing, policing, and employment. Reparations or wealth redistribution policies could address historic and ongoing injustices, ensuring that Black communities have access to the same opportunities as others.

Black excellence, whether exemplified by Olaudah Equiano, Mary Seacole, Harold Moody, or Marcus Rashford, is a testament to the resilience, ingenuity, and brilliance of Black individuals throughout history. However, these stories alone cannot dismantle systemic racism and prejudice.

To create lasting change, we must pair the celebration of Black achievement with structural reforms that address historical injustices, redistribute resources, and challenge institutional racism. By doing so, we can move beyond tokenistic recognition to build a truly equitable society.

Racism in Football: Questioning the Status Quo and the Need for Change

Racism continues to plague the beautiful game, not only in the men’s leagues but also in women’s football. While racism in football has garnered significant attention over the past few years, the sport is still grappling with how to effectively address it. The question we must ask is: Are the penalties being handed down for racial abuse strong enough? Are these incidents being taken as seriously as they should? And what about the mental health of the players who experience this kind of abuse? It’s time to question the status quo and demand real change.

Are Penalties Strong Enough?

Let’s start with the penalties—what happens when a player or a fan is caught engaging in racist behaviour? In theory, penalties exist to deter people from making racist remarks or actions. However, the question remains: Do these consequences do enough to address the gravity of the issue? Are they harsh enough to send a clear message that racism will not be tolerated?

Take, for example, the case of Khadija "Bunny" Shaw, the Manchester City player who was recently subjected to racist abuse on social media. Her case is by no means an isolated incident. Shaw, like many others, faced the emotional toll of online hatred, which forced her to step away from an important match. While Manchester City condemned the abuse and the police were involved, the fact remains that the abuse itself took place in the first place. And what’s the penalty? A few users may be banned from social media platforms, but the abuse is often cyclical, with little long-term impact on the perpetrators.

Football clubs and governing bodies have imposed fines and stadium bans on individuals who engage in racist behaviour. However, these measures have often been criticized for being too lenient. For instance, the European Football Association (UEFA) and FIFA have implemented match suspensions for clubs with fans engaging in racial abuse, but these sanctions don't seem to hold much weight for the offending supporters. A club might get fined a few thousand euros, and a fan might be banned from attending matches for a year or two. But is this really sending a message? Are these penalties truly preventing future incidents, or is it just a slap on the wrist?

The lack of severity in the penalties speaks volumes about how serious the football world is about eradicating racism. If racial abuse were truly taken seriously, the consequences would be much more significant. Clubs would face more than just a fine—they would face a loss of sponsorships, a reduction in ticket sales, and a tarnished reputation that could lead to long-term financial losses. For the perpetrators themselves, there should be lifetime bans from attending matches and stricter legal consequences. At the very least, these individuals should face charges for hate speech.

Are These Incidents Taken Seriously Enough?

When it comes to the seriousness of these incidents, one of the most troubling aspects is how often they’re brushed under the rug. In too many cases, incidents of racial abuse are dealt with quietly, with little fanfare or urgency. Players like Mapi León of FC Barcelona have faced racist allegations that were publicly discussed and, yet, did not receive the level of accountability we should expect. While some incidents result in players or clubs issuing public apologies, that doesn’t always equate to real, meaningful change.

The case of River Plate’s women’s team in Brazil—where players were arrested for alleged racist remarks—illustrates how the issue is often downplayed, especially in countries where racism might not be seen as an urgent societal problem. Although there was public outcry and legal action, the case shows that even when racism is confronted in the legal sphere, the general response is often too slow and insufficient.

Why is it that we only see true action when the media shines a spotlight on the issue? Why does it take a viral social media post for governing bodies to step in? The fact that so many instances of racism go unnoticed or are handled with indifference points to a much deeper issue within the football system itself—a reluctance to address the problem head-on and a failure to make it a priority.

The Mental Health Strain: What Support Is There for Players?

One of the most under-discussed aspects of racism in football is its toll on the mental health of players. Let’s pause for a moment and consider what players like Khadija Shaw and Mapi León, who have faced public racist abuse, must go through emotionally. Racism isn’t just a momentary insult—it can have lasting psychological effects. The constant barrage of abuse chips away at a person’s self-esteem and can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. Yet, when it comes to support for players, the response from football clubs and governing bodies is often inadequate.

While some clubs have made strides in providing mental health support for their players, it remains a patchwork effort. Not all clubs have the same resources, and not all players feel comfortable seeking help. Football has long been a male-dominated industry, and mental health, particularly in the women’s game, is still seen as a stigma to some extent. There is a growing awareness of the importance of mental well-being, but much more needs to be done.

When players like Shaw or León experience racist abuse, where is the immediate support they need to recover emotionally and mentally? Is there a counsellor or a trusted figure they can turn to within the club, or are they left to cope on their own? Far too often, the answer is the latter. Clubs and governing bodies need to have proper mental health services in place to support players who have been affected by racial abuse. This should include therapy sessions, counselling, and a solid support network to help players cope with the emotional consequences of such incidents.

Moreover, the lack of post-abuse care is concerning. Once the incident is over and the media attention fades, many players are left to pick up the pieces on their own. There should be an ongoing system of support that lasts long after the incident is reported and the abusers are punished. This support should also extend to players in lower leagues, where mental health resources might be even more scarce.

What Needs to Change?

The status quo is not working. Racism in football, both on the pitch and online, continues to thrive because the consequences for those who perpetuate it are too weak. It’s time for governing bodies, clubs, and social media platforms to take a stronger stand. Penalties need to be severe enough to send a clear message—racism will not be tolerated. Whether it's through stricter fines, longer bans, or legal action, the penalties for racial abuse must fit the crime.

Recommendations for Action:

1. Stronger Legal Penalties: It's crucial that legal action against individuals engaging in racial abuse becomes the norm, not the exception. Social media platforms should actively monitor and report instances of racism, and perpetrators should face not only bans but also legal consequences. For the clubs themselves, the consequences should be financial—loss of sponsorship, match point penalties, or even relegation for repeat offenses.

2. Increased Public Awareness and Media Coverage: Media outlets need to dedicate more attention to racial abuse cases—not just when they go viral, but as part of an ongoing effort to address the problem. Regular coverage and discussions of racial abuse in football should help maintain awareness and public pressure on governing bodies to act more swiftly and decisively.

3. Improved Mental Health Support: Clubs should be mandated to provide robust mental health resources for their players. In addition to immediate counselling following a racist incident, there should be long-term mental health support for all players, especially those who experience ongoing abuse. This should include regular mental health check-ins, therapy, and a dedicated support team that players can turn to during and after their careers.

4. Education and Training: There should be mandatory anti-racism education and workshops for all players, coaching staff, and fans. For players, this education should include how to cope with the emotional effects of racism, as well as how to respond to it on and off the pitch. For fans, campaigns should be aimed at raising awareness about how harmful racism is and encouraging more respect and inclusivity in stadiums and online.

5. Unified Global Response: Racism in football is not just a UK problem—it is a global issue. We need a unified global response from FIFA, UEFA, and national football bodies to implement consistent, serious penalties for racial abuse. This should involve international collaboration to ensure that racist behaviour is met with the same level of seriousness worldwide.

6. Support for Lower Leagues and Women’s Football: It's not just the top-tier men’s game that needs to be addressed; the problem of racism exists in lower leagues and women’s football as well. Clubs in lower divisions should receive financial support to help implement anti-racism measures and mental health programs. Women's football needs to be given equal attention, as players like Khadija Shaw and Mapi León face unique challenges in the fight against racism.

A Call for Change

Racism is a disease that continues to fester within the world of football, despite the progress that has been made in raising awareness. The solutions are clear: harsher penalties, better mental health support, ongoing education, and a unified, global effort to stamp out racism. It’s time for football to stop treating racism as a side issue and start addressing it with the seriousness it deserves.

Football is supposed to be the beautiful game, a sport that unites people from all walks of life. If we want to protect the integrity of the game and create a truly inclusive environment, it’s time to step up and ensure that racism has no place in football—now or in the future.