A Red Card for Soccer

When a star player such as Danny Rose of Spurs and England declares his love of the game has diminished due to abuse, it should sadden all of us.

by Martin Tyler III

Danny Rose Football Stats

I love what Pele’ described as the “Beautiful Game.” Some of the best days of my life have been spent playing or watching the worlds’ premier sport. Soccer is life, passion and as close to religion as I get. I live and die with my team’s fortunes. I have always viewed and played the game through the lens of sportsmanship and a global unifier. Therefore, it really hurts, when my sporting nirvana beset by the specter of racism.

Soccer stadia have been long known for their boisterous crowds singing in praise of their heroes. The back and forth between fans is usually good-natured ribbing of the opposition. However, over the years the roar from the stands has taken on a more sinister tone. Recently during an international in Montenegro, black English players Raheem Sterling and Callum Odoi-Hudson were subjected to a litany of racial abuse including monkey chants.

The problem is not new however its dimensions have magnified mostly due to the resurgence of ultra-far right-wing nationalism in Europe. FIFA has taken steps to rectify that situation. Clubs and national associations have been hit with minor fines and playing matches behind closed doors.

Clearly more must be done subjecting players to racial abuse. It is morally reprehensible, dehumanizing and definitively unsporting behavior. FIFA has put weight behind campaigns such as “Kick it Out” in an attempt to address the issue, nevertheless the problem persists badly. It's clear more drastic steps need taking. FIFA is a multi-billion dollar monster and money talks. It is time that FIFA put its full economic weight behind the fight. Soccer clubs and its associations should be hit where it hurts specifically in terms of harsh financial penalties. Playing a match closed doors should be the first level of censure. The next level should be a ban from all major competitions. International cups are a source of pride for many nations. Lengthy exile would force countries to put their moral-houses in order.

Finally, team captains and referee must be given latitude to walk off the field if the abuse is not ended. Abusive fans should receive fines and if necessary lifetime bans for their intolerance. Soccer is the world’s most popular sport. And it is up to FIFA, fans and society as a whole to end the scourge of racism and prejudice. When a star player such as Danny Rose of Spurs and England declares his love of the game has diminished due to abuse, it should sadden all of us.