Although the beautiful game is at its most diverse around the world, recent events have shown that racism and football are never too far away from each other.
The origins of racism in the sport date back to the first matches where black players were fielded, where it was commonplace for them to suffer racial abuse throughout their time on the pitch.
While this doesn’t reflect today’s scenario – recent incidents have shown there is still a lot of work to be done to achieve an equal game.
More so on the continent, demonstrated only weeks ago in the qualification stages of Euro 2020.
England talents, including Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford, had to endure monkey noises throughout their match with Bulgaria- the only comfort they could take was thrashing the home side 6-0.
It’s sometimes closer to home though, with Buchanan Street, receiving a visit from a mob of Lazio fans arriving in Glasgow for their Europa League tie with Celtic.
Video evidence shows members of the crowd doing Nazi salutes as they walk through the city centre.
The Italian top-tier side have an ongoing problem with their Ultra fans paying homage to Benito Mussolini, the fascist leader of Italy between 1922 and 1945, who was an ally of Adolf Hitler.
Celtic fans displayed a banner in response to this during their match – a message that their fascism was not welcome here.
Anas Sarwar, MSP for Glasgow, said: “There can be absolutely no place for racism in football grounds or anywhere in society.
“Recent instances of footballers facing racist abuse have highlighted how much work is still needed to stamp out hatred and intolerance. That includes here in Scotland, as well as other parts of the UK and across the world.”
He added: “It is encouraging, however, that many clubs and authorities such as UEFA are finally taking instances very seriously.
“But it’s clear that Scotland is not immune from racism, and the fight to build a more tolerant and inclusive society is a fight for all of us.”
This season, the SPFL said it would be working with clubs to tackle bad fan behaviour.
The Old Firm teams have also received charges from UEFA, with charges of sectarianism in Europe.
Scottish football has racism issues of its own – and it’s not just in the top division.
Aberdeen University abandoned their match with Kincorth AFC early this year – with one of their players walking off the pitch saying he’d received racial abuse.
Jordan Allison, Campaign Manager at Show Racism the Red Card, told the EDIT the problem goes way deeper than football.
He said: “We feel over the last 5 years there has been a rise in racist rhetoric, whether that’s from politics across Europe and over the Atlantic and indeed over here in the UK, but it filters its way down into society and back into the football stands.
“We like to think Scotland’s in a bubble where it doesn’t really affect us but that’s not the case at all and more needs to be done on a punishment level.
“We feel, while punishment is necessary in the game of football, that education is the key to eradicate this long term and we need to work more with football clubs as an education charity.
“We go into schools every day and we’re asked questions by the young people – why is this still happening in today’s society? – we need to respond to it – the way we respond to it will hopefully shape how the future generation responds and challenges racism.”
