Every few days, an absolute howler seems to present itself in the football world. This time around, it was FC Barcelona and a portion of their rogue supporters.
In the age that we live in, it is unfathomable that racism remains an issue that is still prevalent not only in football, but in the world. It is an ongoing fight and UEFA has taken steps in the right direction, although it could be argued that their punishments should be more severe.
Read: 'Al Ahly boss must start Tau in crunch CAFCL tie'
This comes after the European footballing union fined Barcelona €25 000 (about R511 000) and banned them from selling tickets to away fans for UEFA competitions for one match – that has been suspended for one year – in a punishment dished out for "racist behaviour" by the club's supporters. The LALIGA giants were also fined €2 000 (about R41 000) for the lighting of fireworks and €5 000 (about R102 000) for acts of damage, according to The Athletic.
The controversy is said to have erupted during Barca's 4-1 second-leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, a result that sent them crashing out of the UEFA Champions league after Ousmane Dembele, Vitinha, and Kylian Mbappe (twice) netted to cancel out Raphinha's opener in the 12th minute. While plenty of criticism and anger has been levelled at Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs for sending Ronald Araujo off in the 29th minute, a portion of the Spanish side's supporters seemed to have expressed their anger in a reprehensible manner instead.
While the report did not divulge the exact details of what the fans chanted or gestured, or who their actions were aimed at, no further speculation is required because even the slightest hint of racism should be condemned at any opportunity.
What governing bodies need to understand is that supporting a football club has evolved over the years in such a way that it is not just about representing the club in the stands and backing the players as they battle for results, it has become a culture that has extended its way into the homes of supporters. For example, if a middle-aged fan with a family participated in any racist chants during the game, he will go back home and most likely continue that pattern of behaviour.
What is more tragic is that this may rub off on other members in the household. His children, for example. It has been well-established that people are not innately racist. Rather, it is a behaviour that is picked up throughout their lives. A child would perhaps observe racist behaviour in his household and be influenced by it, thinking it is something normal. This is what is referred to as "environmental influence". The child then grows up as a football fan, visits the stadium and displays the disgraceful behaviour he has come to learn. This is how the cycle continues, and it must be stopped.
Having said that, it has become increasingly important for harsher penalties to be dished out to clubs in order to change the way of thinking of some racist supporters who spoil the experience for everybody else in attendance at matches. What Barcelona have been dealt is basically a slap on the wrist and some bad PR. The punishment needs to be one that makes those guilty of racism rethink their actions and completely re-evaluate their ideology.
Read: Esperance star: We'll try to decide it in the first leg vs Downs
Disclaimer: SNL24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of columnists published on SNL24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of SNL24.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH: