This past weekend, the footballing world went silent in protest of social media and their lax attitude towards discrimination and offensive/horrendous language and content thrown around by so called “fans” of the beautiful game. While the protest in itself isn’t simply enough to change the policies on these sites and the horrific beliefs and views of the culprits, hitting social media giants in their pockets through this shared protest surely will get them to consider cracking down on this vile abuse directed at those involved in the game.

Hopefully this will bring about some form of change in the short-term and obviously longer term, it’s these actions of common good that prove we are ready to see some change and punishment directed to keyboard warriors, who despite claims of ‘banter and jokes’ have real life victims who receive the idiotic messages. As we mentioned at the start of this silence, there are obvious issues in taking silent approach to protesting, however trying a vocal fight on social media just gets drowned out and gives the bosses of these companies an easy get-out, whereas a hit on the balance sheet cannot be ignored. Additionally, I am in no position whatsoever to comment on the feelings of victims of social media and discriminatory abuse, as I am fortunate to have little/no first-hand experience of this, however as has been shown in light of recent events, staying silent is not an option, if I’m not on the side of good, I am no help to anyone. Therefore, I took it upon myself on behalf of NextGoalWinner to spend the weekend learning about some of those organisations fighting the good fight whilst thinking how I could make an difference in this battle for essentially not being a dick to others.

Plans To Change

So, from this weekend I’ve really taken some time to consider how I could help in this fight against discrimination on social media and throughout the footballing world, and sadly it often feels helpless to be a part of this discussion and fight for a better platform without the hatred and abuse. Essentially, the main thing I can do as a one man operation is to be a nice and generally decent human, whilst using the albeit minimal tools available on social media. One thing that always sticks in my brain is the motto of ‘block and move on’, and this is essentially what I will be doing on my return to social media, anyone who is seen to be using abusive or hateful language, simply block, report and try to move on from giving them the time of day. Although many of these accounts are made with the sole intention of abusing people, with their ‘egg avatars’, by not providing the attention and notoriety many look for, we can fight the idea of ‘banter and jokes’ from the imbecile’s within society. I honestly would like to think that many of the cretins on the platform abusing people don’t actually hold the beliefs they are spouting and many use it as a way of getting their footballing stars attention, as they live a dull existence only validated by getting a reply from a self-made footballing superstar. As a result, and although again it is much easier to say than do, I will be blocking, reporting and moving on from anyone found to be using abusive language as I scroll through or converse with anyone on social media. That said, although our social media accounts are small and only just starting, I will be vigilant in how I act on this.

Other things that have arisen this weekend, are that I need to learn more and be more aware of the minorities and groups being targeted. Although it may sound a small factor, I am for example unaware of much of the women’s game, and am looking forward to delving into this world to see the growth of the women’s game and the immense talent that I have often heard about but rarely experienced myself through 90 minute matches. With the women’s Champions League final upcoming, I am equally as excited for that as I am the men’s game, and that is an exciting prospect for me personally. Additionally, with different religions and cultures, I am wanting to learn more about them and how it impacts my footballing idols and the game itself. Ultimately, I think this want to learn is something many have, however it needs to be much more widespread. The long-term goal is to have everyone from the societal groups to be part and parcel of football, and whether it be watching the women’s game, or having more black presenters and pundits, simply not being seen as anything different will be a great result for all.

Fighting The Good Fight

A final action I took this weekend was to look into the organisations fighting the good fight for various groups in football, from the Premier League level down to grassroots. There are many organisations being formed to work and improve the game within society, and they need much more support and recognition for their good work. Therefore, to end this post, I will briefly talk about 3 of these organisations, which I hope many will be familiar, however their work is invaluable. I highly recommend you to read up further on these and others, and let’s all support and back them until we see the real results off and on-field.

First up, is the organisation attempting to bring equality and fight for positive change, is ‘Kick It Out’. This group are massively involved in football campaigning from grassroots to Premier League, as they work to educate and promote positive change in their work, whilst challenging discrimination and abuse in the beautiful game. Look out for their logo, and be sure to support their great work in the future.

Next, we have ‘Show Racism the Red Card’, a charity designed to fight racism within football. From schools to stadiums, this group are working tirelessly to remove racism from football on-field, in stadiums and within society. They provide educational sessions and host events around the footballing world landscape to promote positivity and inclusivity.

Finally, there is ‘Women In Football’, a group who work to promote the role of women within football, whilst celebrating and developing the role women play within the game. As part of this, they promote inclusion, fight discrimination and offer professional expertise and support from some big names in football for women looking to forge a career or simply enjoy the game.

There were so many more charities and organisations that I would love to feature in the future, so make sure to check the aforementioned groups out along with any others that are working in your local area and beyond to make football and society a better place.

Let’s make a change, a permanent change.