Racism in football is a reflection of prevailing societal attitudes. When a prominent footballer is racially abused, the impact reaches far beyond the individual.
Vinícius Júnior during the game between Valencia and Real Madrid which saw him receive racial abuse and a red card.
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The extent of the abuse suffered by Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior shows how enduringly unresponsive the country’s legal system, sporting officials and media have been.
Vinícius Júnior is making the point, but are soccer’s governing bosses getting it?
Aitor Alcalde Colomer/Getty Images
Anti-racist programs and fines have failed to end racism in European soccer. Part of the problem is that Black players have little representation higher up the sport’s hierarchy.
Sadio Mané celebrates his Ascon-winning penalty for Senegal against Egypt.
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Given the impact of African players in European football, it’s remarkable how few are able to secure jobs in football in Europe after their playing days end.
England manager Gareth Southgate gestures on the pitch during 2018 England V Switzerland friendly game.
AF Archive/Alamy
The failure of the ESL does not represent a victory of fans over commerce, or of culture over capitalism. It is the very existence of fans that cements football’s commercial nature.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp talks with American owner John W Henry at Anfield in 2016.
Reuters / Phil Noble Livepic
In 2016, Norwich City Football Club was one of dozens of English football teams that took part in the Stonewall Charity’s “Rainbow Laces” campaign to combat discrimination against LGBT fans and players.
Canaries.co.uk
Football presents itself as a neutral, universal and, in a way, desexualised sport. Yet despite widespread campaigns against homophobia, deeply negative attitudes about gay players persist.
Displaced team Velež Mostar FC’s far less glamorous postwar home, in the village of Vrapčići.
Richard Mills