Can football stop the hate? A talented young player touched the world's heart after he broke down in tears at a press conference, following years of racist abuse.
Tears of a sports genius hounded for his race
Can football stop the hate? A talented young player touched the world's heart after he broke down in tears at a press conference, following years of racist abuse.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper">More Penalties Please</h2>
He is an extremely talented football player. At just 23 years old, Vinicius Junior is a winger for La Liga club Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team. He is considered one of the greatest talents in the world. And he is also a philanthropistSomeone who donates generously to good causes. American philanthropy has been very important in creating a positive image of the US around the world., activist and UNESCO ambassador.
He is perhaps the last person you might expect to see breaking down in tears in front of the press. But the star player has admitted that he has considered giving up football after a delugeA large downpour of rain, from the Latin verb for wash away. of foul racist abuse.
"I just want to play football but it's hard to move forward... I feel less and less like playing," he says, tears streaming down his cheeks. "But I will stay, because that way the racists can continue to see my face more and more."
Vinicius has experienced 10 episodes of aggressive racist abuse that have been reported to prosecutorsofficials responsible for investigating crime by La Liga.1
The problem exists in every level of football, in every country. Only 3.9% of coaches in Europe's 14 biggest leagues come from an ethnic minority background.2
A study by YouGov from 2021 revealed that 73% of ethnically diverse fans fear visiting a stadium because of racist abuse.3
Sometimes, sports can act as a beacon of anti-racism, helping us to create a better world. In 1995, South Africa won the Rugby World Cup over New Zealand just four years after the end of apartheidA system of legally-enshrined racial discrimination and oppression which existed in South Africa from 1948 until the 1990s. It denied non-white South Africans basic human rights. under the slogan "One Team, One Country."
But sport can also give a platform to deep-rooted prejudicesIdeas about something, especially a group of people, that are not based on reality. . A recent study proved that racial prejudice towards players is perpetuatedmade to continue by both commentators and the press.4
What can be done? FIFA's president Gianni Infantino has called for automatic forfeitsbeing forced to lose a match because because of bad behaviour or not showing up for teams whose supporters abuse players. He has also suggested worldwide stadium bans for fans who commit acts of racism.
But some say that since the problem goes deeper than football, so should the solution. As long as there is racism in society, it will surface in sports.
Can football stop the hate?
Yes: Racist football fans rarely see any consequences for spreading vile racist abuse, especially when this abuse is carried out online. They need to feel not only that they will be punished, but that their team will suffer for their actions.
No: Racism in football will continue for as long as there is racism in society, and unfortunately getting rid of it will be a long, uphill battle.
Or... In the first instance, we should focus on showing solidarityShowing support for others, particularly members of another group. with ethnic minority players who are experiencing abuse. They should be aware that only a tiny minority of people hold these views, and that they have the support of most loyal fans.
Philanthropist - Someone who donates generously to good causes. American philanthropy has been very important in creating a positive image of the US around the world.
Deluge - A large downpour of rain, from the Latin verb for wash away.
prosecutors - officials responsible for investigating crime
Apartheid - A system of legally-enshrined racial discrimination and oppression which existed in South Africa from 1948 until the 1990s. It denied non-white South Africans basic human rights.
Prejudices - Ideas about something, especially a group of people, that are not based on reality.
perpetuated - made to continue
forfeits - being forced to lose a match because because of bad behaviour or not showing up
Solidarity - Showing support for others, particularly members of another group.
Tears of a sports genius hounded for his race

Glossary
Philanthropist - Someone who donates generously to good causes. American philanthropy has been very important in creating a positive image of the US around the world.
Deluge - A large downpour of rain, from the Latin verb for wash away.
prosecutors - officials responsible for investigating crime
Apartheid - A system of legally-enshrined racial discrimination and oppression which existed in South Africa from 1948 until the 1990s. It denied non-white South Africans basic human rights.
Prejudices - Ideas about something, especially a group of people, that are not based on reality.
perpetuated - made to continue
forfeits - being forced to lose a match because because of bad behaviour or not showing up
Solidarity - Showing support for others, particularly members of another group.