How Are Edwards and Le Bris Tackling Racist Abuse in Sports?

Recent incidents of racist abuse aimed at Premier League players Tolu Arokodare and Romaine Mundle have sparked widespread condemnation from their managers and anti-discrimination groups. Following their respective matches on Sunday, both players received abusive messages on social media, prompting Wolves manager Rob Edwards and Sunderland's Regis le Bris to express their support and call for a zero-tolerance approach to racism in football.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The recent weekend of Premier League matches has become overshadowed by a troubling rise in racist abuse directed at players. Tolu Arokodare, who played for Wolverhampton Wanderers in their 1-0 defeat against Crystal Palace, and Romaine Mundle, who came on as a substitute in Sunderland's 3-1 loss to Fulham, were both targeted on social media shortly after their games. Their managers have publicly condemned the incidents, reaffirming their commitment to support the players and denounce racism in football.

Key takeaways

• Tolu Arokodare and Romaine Mundle received racist abuse after their matches on Sunday.
• Their managers have voiced strong support and condemned the incidents.
• The UK Football Policing Unit is investigating the abuse cases.
• Reports of online racial abuse in football are reportedly at record levels.

Timeline: how we got here

Recent events illustrate a disturbing trend in football regarding racial abuse. Key dates include:

• 1 October 2023: Arokodare and Mundle receive racist messages following their matches.
• 3 October 2023: UK Football Policing Unit announces investigations into the incidents.
• 3 October 2023: Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out reports a 33% increase in online abuse compared to the previous season.

What’s new vs what’s known

New this week

The latest reports indicate a rise in incidents of racist abuse directed at football players, with Arokodare and Mundle being part of a larger pattern affecting multiple players this season. The UKFPU's investigation aims to identify and hold accountable those responsible for these actions.

What was already established

Racist abuse in football is not a new issue, with similar incidents occurring frequently over the years. Players have often reported such abuse, indicating that it is an ongoing problem within the sport.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The rise in online racist abuse has broader implications for football fans and the community. It reinforces a negative atmosphere around the sport, impacting how families and young fans perceive inclusivity in football.

Businesses and jobs

Football clubs are increasingly faced with the challenge of creating a safe and inclusive environment for players and fans. This requires ongoing training, awareness campaigns, and potentially higher costs associated with enhancing security measures against abuse.

Policy and regulation

With the UKFPU investigating these incidents, there may be forthcoming policy discussions regarding how to combat online hate and improve safety for players. Additionally, clubs may implement stricter codes of conduct for fans to address the issue effectively.

Numbers that matter

• 33%: Increase in reports of online abuse this season compared to last.
• 115%: Rise in the number of reports received by the UK Football Policing Unit.
• 2: Number of players from the Premier League targeted with racist abuse last weekend.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Racism: Discrimination or prejudice against individuals based on their race or ethnicity.
• UKFPU: UK Football Policing Unit, responsible for tackling crimes related to football, including hate crimes.
• Kick It Out: An anti-discrimination organisation working to combat racism and promote inclusivity in football.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Expect increased media attention on the issue of online abuse, and discussions around potential new measures to combat racism in football.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Football clubs may introduce further training and support mechanisms for players affected by abuse, along with enhanced reporting tools for detecting online harassment.

Signals to watch

• Outcomes of investigations by the UKFPU into the recent abuse cases.
• New initiatives launched by football clubs and governing bodies aimed at reducing racism in the sport.
• Trends in reported incidents of online abuse in the coming months.

Practical guidance

Do

• Support campaigns advocating for equality and anti-racism in football.
• Report any incidents of abuse witnessed to the relevant authorities.
• Educate yourself and others about the impact of racism in sports.

Don’t

• Ignore incidents of racism or abuse, thinking they don't affect you.
• Engage with or share content that promotes hate or discrimination.
• Assume that racism is only a problem in football; it exists in many areas of society.

Checklist

• Stay informed about the latest anti-racism initiatives in football.
• Encourage open discussions about inclusivity in sports within your community.
• Follow and support players and organisations actively fighting against racism.
• Be aware of your own social media activity and its potential impact on others.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the increase in reported abuse is alarming, it is also crucial to consider that not all incidents are reported. The anonymity of social media can embolden some individuals to act inappropriately without fear of consequences. The effectiveness of ongoing investigations and the response from social media platforms remain uncertain, and there is a need for sustained pressure on these entities to do more.

Bottom line

The recent racist abuse targeting Tolu Arokodare and Romaine Mundle highlights a significant and ongoing issue in football that requires collective action from clubs, authorities, and fans alike. Addressing racism effectively is essential not only for the integrity of the sport but also for fostering an inclusive environment for all. As the situation develops, it is vital to stay engaged and supportive of anti-racism initiatives.

FAQs

What actions are being taken against the racist abuse aimed at players?

The UK Football Policing Unit is investigating the incidents and aims to identify those responsible for the abuse targeting players such as Tolu Arokodare and Romaine Mundle.

How has the online abuse trend changed this season?

Reports of online abuse in football have increased significantly, with a 33% rise compared to the same stage last season, indicating a troubling trend.

What can fans do to help combat racism in football?

Fans can support anti-racism campaigns, report incidents of abuse, and engage in discussions about inclusivity within their communities to help combat racism effectively.