For this area, the key sociocultural issue which will be discussed is sports, specifically football. Much like education, the impact of football can be measured both globally and regionally. It is often said that football is more than a sport, it’s the world’s game (Campelli,2021). When you have half of the world’s population invested in a particular sport it is no longer just a sport and inevitably begins to carry a social, cultural, and even economic weight.

Although the sport in many cases can act as a communal force bonding people together, celebrating joyous victories, we cannot disregard the social issues that exist in football and football fan culture. During the finale of the Euro 2020 final match between England and Italy, three of England’s finest players, Marcus Rashford, Saka, and Jadon Sancho who also happen to be young Black men missed penalties and therefore lost the cup to Italy were subjected to aggressive racial abuse by English fans. Furthermore, in 2019, during another match between Montenegro and England, several Black English players were subjected to monkey noises from the Montenegro fans. Furthermore, Raheem Sterling, a Manchester City player was subjected to racial abuse and harassment on social media. In protest, a lot of players exit the pitch during games in protest of the disrespect they receive and the lack of 

rigid anti-racism rules and consequences that condemn such behavior while simultaneously protecting players. (CBS Sports,2021) 

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The ferocious nature of football fandom culture is not a new phenomenon, it has existed for ages, it is just that the presence and social media have made these racist and vicious attacks more wildly known. In an essay by George Orwell in 1945, titled The Sporting Spirit, Orwell speaks about similar incidences in football and how the nature of the sport can evoke vicious emotions of patriotism and nationalism. “As soon as strong feelings of rivalry are aroused, the notion of playing the game according to the rules always vanishes. People want to see one side on top and the other side humiliated, and they forget that victory gained through cheating or through the intervention of the crowd is meaningless. Even when the spectators don’t intervene physically they try to influence the game by cheering their own side and ‘rattling’ opposing players with boos and insults. Serious sport has nothing to do with fair play. It is bound up with hatred, jealousy, boastfulness, disregard of all rules and sadistic pleasure in witnessing violence”. (Orwell,1945,p.6).

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Although there have been some actions taken against racism in football, many would argue that it is not enough and there is still more to be done. Le Ferdinand, former England player and now director of football at Queen's park ranger which is a London club said in an article with the Straits Times that the reason racism is still prevalent in football is that the people who are in high positions to make an active change simply do not care enough, and that is the true root of the issue. The 54-year-old retired player recalls similar incidents during his early career where he suffered racial abuse on the pitch. Furthermore, Le Ferdinand stated an important point about the lack of diversity in football managerial positions saying that out of the 97 in both England and Wales, there are only 7 clubs in the league with black managers. (The Straits Times,2021)

In efforts to combat this issue and work towards creating a positive change in football, there have been several campaigns and initiatives created in light of the multiple incidents of racial abuse. Kick It Out is an English organization established with the mission of ensuring equality and fighting against discrimination. The organization is supported by the Premier League and therefore works closely with football clubs, communities, and individuals on putting in place diversity policies. Moreover, the premier league launched the No Room For Racism anti-racism initiative where the league its clubs, and The Professional football Association to combat racism on and off the pitch. The initiative works through four main pillars: No Room for Racism Action plan, Reporting Racism, and Education Programmes. 

In addition to the blatant race discrimination players face, another issue that has been rearing its ugly head is gender inequality and discrimination. According to a research study conducted by Women In Football, it’s reported that two-thirds of women working across the football industry in varying positions, on and off the field experience gender bias. The survey collected data from an approximation of 4,000 participants. Some of the key findings include 81% “agree” or “strongly agree” they have faced gender stereotyping, 52% have been overlooked when it came to career progression, The study also reported that issues of gender discrimination were often not addressed with seriousness and oftentimes completely disregarded. However, on the bright side, 66% of women felt supported by their employer while 78% reported that they are supported by their colleagues. Lastly, 59% of the women surveyed said that their organizations prioritize recognizing and celebrating women’s talent.

(BBC sports, 2021)  

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