Football commentary has a racial bias problem, a new study says

English-language football commentary displays racial bias, with players having lighter skin tones more likely to be praised for their intelligence and hard work than those with darker skin, according to a new study.

The report, conducted by shoe and sport research firm RunRepeat in partnership with the Professional Footballers’ Association, found that some commentary relating to players with darker skin tones was more likely to focus on physical abilities such as pace and power. But when commentators talk about intelligence the majority of praise was aimed at players with lighter skin, and colleagues with darker skin tones took most of the criticism.

The research focused on comments relating to 643 players in 80 games played in the 2019/20 season across four top European leagues – the Italian Serie A, Spanish La Liga, French Ligue 1 and English Premier League.

The 2,074 statements analysed were from commentators speaking in English and working for media outlets in the United Kingdom, United States and Canada.

The analysis shows that six times as many comments about power and three times as many comments about speed were directed towards players with darker skin tones.

By contrast, players with lighter skin tones were more frequently praised for work ethic, intelligence and leadership. Players with darker skin tones were more frequently criticized for attributes such as intelligence, versatility and quality.

Shifting the narrative

Referencing the study, Jason Lee, Equalities Executive at the PFA, said: “Commentators help shape the perception we hold of each player, deepening any racial bias already held by the viewer.”

While commentators may not have intended to further racial stereotypes, the “narrative of black people’s primary value laying in their physicality and not their intelligence” needs to be eradicated, the association says.

But football commentary is not alone in having a racial bias problem. Other studies have highlighted similar disparities in American football commentary. And racial abuse by fans continues to be a problem in many sports. Organizations like English football equality and inclusion charity Kick It Out are among those challenging discrimination and fighting against racism in sport.

The research is particularly poignant given the widespread support among footballers for the Black Lives Matter campaign. The Premier League has replaced players’ names on the back of their shirts with "Black Lives Matter" for the first 12 matches of the restarted 2019/20 season. The shirts will keep the logo for the rest of the season.

The PFA notes: “Players have been unified in their support of the Black Lives Matter movement, sending a strong message about equality. However, the players themselves still have to navigate systemically racist structures, despite their significant platforms and professional success.”