Project Based Learning:
Social Injustice
Racism in soccer
Racism, one of the many viruses that seems to not have a ‘cure’. With football having such a large viewing platform, it was sadly only inevitable for people with little respect to bring racism to ‘the beautiful game’. With the status of footballers being larger, than ever we have seen many footballers act on this virus that effects society.
Racist abused aimed at Fred during the Manchester Derby
Raheem Sterling making remarks back towards the racists
Raheem Sterling's Battle With Racism
One of the best footballers in the world Raheem Sterling, is not shy when it comes to shining on big stages. Two time Premier League winner and footballer of the year for England has taken his immense platform to speak out against injustices in the world. Sterling has always had an uneasy relationship with the media, which he says that they are ‘fuelling racism’. On the 9th of December 2018 Sterling was sadly victim to racist abuse during Manchester City’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea. During the first half Sterling went to retrieve a ball beyond the touchline, when it seemed to be a large group of men making racist remarks towards the Manchester City forward. This incident only added to a troubled week of racism in football where we saw Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have a banana skin thrown at him During Arsenal’s Derby victory over Tottenham. As well as Christian Mbulu receiving racist remarks during Motherwell’s defeat to Hearts.
On the following Sunday morning, we saw Sterling take to social media to address this horrible incident:
“Good morning I just want to say, I am not normally the person to talk a lot but when I think I need my point to hear I will speak up. Regarding what was said at the Chelsea game as you can see by my reaction I just had to laugh because I do not expect no better. For example, you have two young players starting out there careers both play for the same team; both have done the right thing. Which is buy a new house for their mothers who have put in a lot of time and love into helping them get where they are, but look how the newspapers get their message across for the young black player and then for the young white payer. I think this in unacceptable both innocent have not done a thing wrong but just by the way, it has been worded. This young black kid is looked at in a bad light. Which helps fuel racism an aggressive behavior, so for all the newspapers that don’t understand why people are racist in this day and age all i have to say is have a second thought about fair publicity an give all players an equal chance”
The two articles written about the Man City youngsters
Sterling expressed his view on what happened in City’s defeat to Chelsea as well as expressing his view on what influence the media has on Racism. On the 11th of January, the Guardian published an article where they criticized young black Manchester City defender Tosin Adarabioyo. “Young Manchester City footballer on 25,000 pounds a week splashes out on mansion on market for 2.25 million pounds despite never having started a premier league game”. Then on the 5th of October young white Manchester City starlet Phil Foden was praised by the Guardian for buying his Mum a house worth two million. Sterling talks about how the media talks about Tosin Adarabioyo in a bad light when he did the exact same thing a Phil Foden who is then in-fact praised. Sterling also talked about how the media helps to fuel racism in an aggressive behaviour
Sterling has not only just used his social media platform to justify racism. Sterling has also used Press conferences and even Nike ads to raise awareness for Racism.
Even though Sterling maybe be the biggest leader in the fight against Racism but he is not the only one fighting to end this horrible disease. We have seen action taken from The Premier League as well as multiple clubs that play in the league. Actions that have taken place are getting people to report racism to police and stewards, having punishments for people who are racist and taking punishment on social media racism and injustice.
The Premier league's No Room For Racism campaign poster
Football players have such a large audience and viewing platform with billions of people every year tuning into the beautiful game as well as the media. Using these platforms to raise awareness for a worldwide problem will only help the cause.