Racism in Sports: From Historical Barriers to Modern Protocols – A Persistent Battle

Racism in sports, a persistent challenge in the arena of unity

Explore racism in sports through historical breakthroughs, modern incidents in soccer, NBA, NFL, and more, plus FIFA/UEFA protocols and anti-racism laws combating prejudice on and off the field.

The human cost is profound: Mental health strain, career disruptions, and reinforced stereotypes deter participation...

Sports have long been celebrated as a universal language that transcends borders, cultures, and backgrounds - a platform where talent, discipline, and teamwork can shine regardless of origin. Yet, throughout history and into the present day, racism has cast a long shadow over this ideal. From stadium chants to institutional barriers, discriminatory incidents reveal how prejudice infiltrates even the most merit-based arenas. 

This article examines racism in sports through key segments, drawing on documented incidents to illustrate its forms, evolution, and ongoing impact. While progress has been made through activism and policy, these examples underscore that vigilance remains essential to ensure sports truly reflect equality and respect for all individuals.

Historical Roots: Segregation, Defiance, and Early Breakthroughs

Racism in sports is deeply rooted in societal divisions, particularly in the 20th century when segregation was normalized in many countries. In the United States, professional leagues often excluded Black athletes outright until mid-century breakthroughs.

A landmark moment came in 1947 when Jackie Robinson debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking Major League Baseball's color barrier. Robinson endured death threats, racial slurs from opponents and fans, and segregation on the road, hotels and restaurants denied him service, yet he excelled, winning Rookie of the Year and paving the way for others like Larry Doby in the American League. Similar hostility greeted Hank Aaron in 1974 as he approached Babe Ruth's home run record; Aaron received thousands of hate letters and death threats from those opposed to a Black man surpassing a white icon's achievement.

Internationally, the 1936 Berlin Olympics highlighted racism on a global stage. Jesse Owens, a Black American athlete, won four gold medals in front of Adolf Hitler, directly challenging Nazi Aryan supremacy propaganda. Despite this triumph, Owens faced discrimination upon returning home, including segregated parades in his honor.

These early incidents show racism not just as fan bigotry but as systemic exclusion, where Black athletes had to prove their worth amid hostility simply to compete.

Racism in American Team Sports: From Locker Rooms to Leagues

In the U.S., where many major leagues now feature high percentages of Black athletes, racism persists in subtle and overt forms, including ownership controversies, fan abuse, and workplace dynamics.

In baseball, post-Robinson integration did not erase prejudice. Black players in the 1950s–1970s often encountered hostile crowds and biased umpiring. Even decades later, incidents like the 2017 racist taunts directed at Baltimore Orioles' Adam Jones at Fenway Park in Boston highlighted lingering fan issues; the Red Sox issued an apology, and Jones noted Boston's reputation for such abuse.

The NFL and NBA have seen high-profile cases involving ownership and protests. In 2014, Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling was banned for life by the NBA after leaked audio revealed racist remarks about Black people, including players. The scandal prompted player protests and the league's sale of the team. That same year, reports documented dozens of domestic racism incidents across U.S. sports.

Athlete activism has been central. In 2016, Colin Kaepernick knelt during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality, sparking a league-wide debate and backlash that included accusations of disrespect. Earlier, in 1968, Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised gloved fists on the Olympic podium in Mexico City to highlight systemic racism, resulting in their expulsion from the Games and death threats, yet their gesture became an iconic symbol of resistance.

Recent data from organizations like the University of Central Florida's Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport tracked rising incidents: 52 in the U.S. in 2018 alone, spanning slurs and discriminatory practices. These cases illustrate how racism manifests in power structures (e.g., hiring disparities for coaches) and public reactions to Black athletes asserting dignity.

Racism in Football: Global Stadiums and Fan Culture

Football, the world's most popular sport, has been plagued by fan-driven racism, particularly monkey chants, banana-throwing, and slurs targeting Black players. Europe has seen repeated high-profile cases, often in leagues like Serie A, La Liga, and the Premier League.

In 2013, AC Milan's Kevin-Prince Boateng walked off the pitch during a friendly against Pro Patria after enduring relentless racist abuse from fans, an act that drew global attention and prompted temporary bans. Spanish forward Dani Alves famously ate a banana thrown at him by a Villarreal fan in 2014, turning the insult into a symbol of defiance; the fan was banned for life.

Italian goalkeeper Mike Maignan (AC Milan) left the field in January 2024 after monkey chants from Udinese supporters, leading to a brief match suspension and calls for stricter sanctions. In May 2023, Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior faced monkey chants and gestures from Valencia fans in Spain, resulting in three men receiving prison sentences, the first such convictions for match-related racism in the country. Vinicius has been a frequent target, with over a dozen legal complaints filed since 2022.

Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Junior controversy unfolded during the UEFA Champions League knockout playoff first leg between Benfica and Real Madrid

As recently as February 17, 2026, during a UEFA Champions League playoff match between Benfica and Real Madrid, Vinicius alleged racial abuse (including being called “mono,” or monkey) by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni following his goal celebration. The match was halted for about 10 minutes under FIFA's anti-racism protocol; UEFA launched an investigation, Vinícius posted “Racists are, above all, cowards,” and the incident drew condemnation from figures like FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Benfica and manager Jose Mourinho faced criticism for their responses, which some viewed as downplaying the claims.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino:

“I was shocked and saddened to see the incident of alleged racism towards Vinícius Júnior in the UEFA Champions League match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF.

There is absolutely no room for racism in our sport and in society – we need…

— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) February 18, 2026

England has not been immune: In 2019, young players as young as seven reported monkey chants and bananas offered mockingly. These incidents often involve organized ultras or isolated fans, but their frequency, hundreds reported annually in some monitoring, shows how stadium culture can enable prejudice. Governing bodies like UEFA and FIFA have protocols for stopping matches, but enforcement varies, with critics arguing for stronger forfeits or point deductions.

Racism in Individual Sports: Tennis, Formula 1, and Beyond

Individual sports expose athletes to direct scrutiny, amplifying personal abuse alongside structural biases.

In tennis, Serena Williams endured a barrage of incidents. In 2001 at Indian Wells, she and her family faced racial slurs and boos after Venus withdrew from a semifinal; Serena boycotted the tournament for 14 years. Throughout her career, media and fans commented on her body in racially coded ways (e.g., comparisons to animals), and the 2018 US Open final saw her penalized amid debates over whether reactions reflected the “angry Black woman“ stereotype - a trope that surfaced in cartoons and commentary.

Formula 1's Lewis Hamilton, the sport's only Black driver for much of his career, has spoken openly about trauma from schoolyard racism (bananas thrown, repeated N-word use) and trackside abuse. In 2008, Spanish fans wore blackface and “Hamilton's family” T-shirts with racist imagery. Online abuse followed his wins, including monkey emojis after the 2021 British Grand Prix. Hamilton has used his platform for the Hamilton Commission to boost diversity in motorsport, noting how few Black drivers reach elite levels despite talent pools.

Athletics and cricket have similar stories, such as Australian commentator Dean Jones calling South African Hashim Amla a “terrorist” in 2006 (due to his beard and heritage), or monkey chants in Russian stadiums targeting Black players.

Impacts, Activism, and Anti-Racism Efforts

The human cost is profound: Mental health strain, career disruptions, and reinforced stereotypes deter participation. Yet athletes have driven change, from Muhammad Ali's refusal to be drafted amid Vietnam-era racial dynamics to modern boycotts and statements.

Leagues have responded with initiatives: NBA diversity hires post-Sterling, FIFA/UEFA three-step protocols (warning, suspension, forfeit), and education campaigns like Kick It Out in England. The 2020 global protests following George Floyd's death saw widespread sports support for Black Lives Matter, with teams issuing statements and players kneeling.

Challenges remain: Underreporting, inconsistent punishments, and debates over “reverse racism” claims or free speech defenses. Data shows fluctuations, incidents rose sharply in some years (e.g., 67% increase in professional games in one 2018 report) - but awareness has grown.

Toward a Truly Level Playing Field

Racism in sports endures not because athletes or fans are inherently divided, but because broader societal prejudices infiltrate the stands, fields, and boardrooms. Incidents from Jackie Robinson's pioneering courage to Vinicius Júnior's 2026 stand remind us that excellence does not immunize against bigotry. Progress through integration, activism, and protocols proves change is possible when individuals and institutions prioritize dignity over division.

Sports' power lies in its ability to unite humanity. Eradicating racism requires ongoing education, accountability (e.g., lifetime bans for repeat offenders), diverse leadership, and a collective refusal to tolerate abuse. Only then can the playing field honor its promise: competition based on merit, celebrated by all. The athletes who have endured and spoken out deserve not just applause, but a legacy free from this stain.

Laws, Regulations, and Anti-Racism Protocols in Sports

Governing bodies and leagues have introduced formal rules, disciplinary codes, and on-field protocols to address racism, often with escalating penalties to deter offenders. These range from mandatory reporting and education to match interruptions, forfeits, fines, stadium closures, and lifetime bans.

Many treat racism as a distinct, severe offense rather than a generic misconduct.

1. FIFA and Global Football: The Three-Step Procedure and Global Stand Against Racism

FIFA has taken a leading role in standardizing responses worldwide. In May 2024, at the 74th FIFA Congress, all 211 member associations unanimously approved the Global Stand Against Racism, a comprehensive initiative with five key areas: rules and sanctions, action on the field, education, partnerships, and monitoring.

A cornerstone is the Three-Step Procedure for handling spectator racism during matches, made mandatory across associations:

1. Step 1: Stop the match, The referee pauses play, often via a stadium announcement urging fans to cease abusive behavior. The referee signals the “No Racism Gesture” (crossing arms at the wrists) if abuse is observed or reported by players/officials.
2. Step 2: Suspend the match - If abuse continues, play is halted (typically 5–10 minutes), and players are taken off the pitch while further announcements are made.
3. Step 3: Abandon the match - In persistent cases, the game is forfeited or abandoned, with severe sanctions (e.g., points deductions, stadium bans, or match forfeits).

This procedure, supported by training for referees, security, and teams, was reinforced in 2024–2025 updates and applied in incidents like the 2026 Benfica vs. Real Madrid Champions League playoff. FIFA's Disciplinary Code now explicitly classifies racism as a specific offense with mandatory severe penalties, including match forfeits. Additional tools include anti-discrimination observers, fan content monitoring apps, and the Social Media Protection Service to combat online abuse.

UEFA aligns closely with FIFA, using a similar three-step protocol (in place since around 2009 and updated): stop the game and announce, suspend (remove players), and abandon if needed. UEFA's Football Sustainability Strategy 2030 includes anti-racism policies, requiring license applicants to implement non-discrimination measures, with toolkits and guidance for clubs/associations.

2. Premier League and English Football: No Room For Racism Action Plan

The Premier League operates a detailed protocol (often six-step in collaboration with The FA), emphasizing zero tolerance. Key elements include:

• Immediate referee intervention and announcements.

• Match suspension/abandonment in extreme cases.

• Post-incident investigations leading to bans, fines, or partial stadium closures.

The league's No Room For Racism Action Plan (launched 2021, updated through 2024) commits to diversity in hiring, education campaigns, and supporting victims. It tracks progress in inclusion for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups, with dedicated fixture rounds to highlight anti-discrimination messaging.

3. Other Major U.S. Leagues: Policies, Rules, and Diversity Initiatives

In the U.S., leagues focus on internal policies, ownership accountability, and player protections rather than on-field interruptions (as fan racism is less stadium-centric in some sports).

NBA: Following the 2014 Donald Sterling scandal (lifetime ban and forced sale), the league strengthened its anti-discrimination rules under the Constitution and Bylaws. It prohibits discrimination based on race and supports social justice via statements, jersey messaging (e.g., during 2020 protests), and diversity hiring goals. The league has condemned racism explicitly and backed player activism.

NFL: The Rooney Rule (2003, expanded 2020–2021) requires teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior roles, with incentives like draft picks for development. Collective bargaining agreements prohibit discrimination based on race, and the league issued statements condemning systemic racism post-2020. Policies address workplace conduct, though critics note slow progress in ownership/coaching diversity.

MLB: Collective bargaining agreements ban discrimination and bullying based on race, with investigations into allegations. The league has supported anti-racism messaging and diversity initiatives, though reports highlight ongoing hiring gaps.

These measures often include education, reporting hotlines, and partnerships with groups like RISE (an anti-racism organization in sports).

Effectiveness and Ongoing Challenges

While these protocols represent significant progress, shifting from ad-hoc responses to structured, enforceable steps, critics argue enforcement varies. Abandonments remain rare, and some view protocols as insufficient without automatic severe punishments (e.g., automatic points deductions). Legal consequences in some countries (e.g., prison sentences in Spain for fan racism) complement sports sanctions.

Overall, these laws and protocols demonstrate institutional commitment, evolving from reactive measures to proactive, global standards aimed at eradicating racism from the sport.