Racist behavior has no place in society and in sport. Let’s use this pause to remind ourselves of that self-evident truth and change our behavior.
A lot is being said about the rights and wrongs of professional sport returning any time soon amid the current worldwide Coronavirus pandemic. I will leave decisions to the experts. However, the big question is this: What will sport look like when it returns?
I have previously written that I love sport and its many positives. But there are also negatives, such as expressions of racism. I hope that people will have had time to think and draw a better perspective on things, including a newfound level of respect for everyone.
We must eliminate the horrific personal and racist abuse in sport. Stars are like any other member of society with a twist: they perform in front of thousands, and sometimes millions, of people. They ought not be targets of abuse. Furthermore, this absurd behavior must end–in-the-stands, on-the-field, and beyond, including on social media.
My hope is is that people across the world will realise that they have been engaging in awful and ridiculous behavior. Appreciate, instead, that players are fellow human beings.
If we can eliminate anger and hatred in sport, then we can concentrate on watching superb skills, getting excited, and enjoying what sport brings. Let’s make sporting events an experience that everyone, of all ages and from all aspects of society, can enjoy.
Let me add that I’ve also had time to reflect on my attitude and behavior. I previously wrote about how sport has affected me–in good and bad moments.
And while I never want to lose passion and my love of sport, I hope I no longer see sport as the be-all and end-all as I sometimes did previously. Instead, I hope to view sport as pure entertainment, something to be enjoyed.
Above all, I know that sport for some in society can’t be what it has been for me–a joyous, uplifting experience. What I hope more than anything, is that we re-engage in sport with respect and as a unified fan base.
For me, that would be a way to honour all the front-line emergency services workers who are putting their lives at risk to save ours. It would also show respect for all the unfortunate people who have lost their lives or have lost loved ones to this disease.
Let’s also do it for the sporting greats of the past. They would be proud.
