Chelsea fans in Prague
One way that media effects the way racism effects the game is how video and idea sharing across social media is so easy and accessible to everyone. A clear example of media affecting racism in football is that of the racism of Chelsea fans towards rival player Mohamed Salah. In a video released, fans of Chelsea made chants saying “Salah is a bomber”, a racial stereotype used against Muslims, Salah’s religion. Chelsea did deny the fans entry from the London club’s game against Slavia Prague in their Europa League fixture. The club released a statement; “Chelsea FC finds all forms of discriminatory behavior abhorrent and, where there is clear evidence of Chelsea season-ticket holders or members involved in such behavior, we will take the strongest possible action against them,” the club said in a statement. “Such individuals are an embarrassment to the vast majority of Chelsea supporters who won’t tolerate them in their club” (Chelsea FC).
Chelsea fans chanting (Youtube)
News source bias?
A massive concept in everyone’s life is social media, what to post and what to like. Most people in this age crave convenience and in the aspect of learning what is happening in the world around them, most people will look to their phones, but more specifically, news apps and sites. Being one of Europe’s leading news distributors, you would expect organizations like Guardian to give unbiased reliable news about football. According to Raheem Sterling, this is not the case. In two separate articles about two young Manchester City footballers buying rather expensive houses, they are shown in a different light, a possibly racially motivated one… In a news article, it is reported that “Manchester City starlet Phil Foden buys new £2m home for his mum” (The Guardian). This is shown in a good, kind-hearted light, one that will make readers think that this is a great act. This, however, is very different from how the same news outlets look at the same situation as another Manchester City player; Tosin Adarabioyo. “Young Manchester City footballer, 20, on £25,000 a week splashes out on mansion on market for £2.25million despite having never started a Premier League match”. As clear as day, this is clearly placed in a negative meaning. These two articles provide a needed perspective of the media regarding certain players, players of different ethnicity specifically. This points to the perspective part of the thesis, giving us a valuable insight into how media affects the ‘beautiful game’.