Is Online Abuse Targeting Rangers Players Under Investigation?

Emmanuel Fernandez and Djeidi Gassama of Rangers have recently become the latest victims of racist abuse on social media, highlighting ongoing concerns over racism in football. Following their match against Livingston, both players shared screenshots of the abuse directed towards them, prompting an investigation by Police Scotland. This incident reflects a troubling trend of racial harassment in professional sports, particularly in the UK, and calls for urgent action from both authorities and social media platforms.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The situation surrounding Emmanuel Fernandez and Djeidi Gassama's experiences with racial abuse has intensified, prompting an investigation by Police Scotland. The players, who represent Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, received derogatory messages on Instagram following their match on Sunday, 8 October 2023. The abuse coincided with similar incidents affecting other players across the UK, signifying a broader issue within the sport that demands immediate attention.

Key takeaways

Emmanuel Fernandez and Djeidi Gassama shared racist abuse screenshots after a match against Livingston.
Police Scotland is investigating the incident, acknowledging the offensive nature of the posts.
This incident is part of a worrying trend of racial abuse directed at football players in the UK.

Timeline: how we got here

Here’s a brief timeline of recent events related to racial abuse in football:

8 October 2023: Fernandez and Gassama receive racist abuse online after their match against Livingston.
7 October 2023: Other players, including Tolu Arokodare and Romaine Mundle, report similar incidents of racial abuse.
November 2022: A BBC investigation revealed over 2,000 abusive posts targeted at players and managers in a single weekend.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent reports of abuse directed at Rangers players Fernandez and Gassama, along with the police investigation, add to the growing list of racial incidents in football. The Prime Minister's office has condemned the abuse, labelling it "abhorrent," and reiterating the commitment to tackling discrimination in sports.

What was already established

Racial abuse in football has been a persistent issue, with numerous cases reported over the past months. Previous investigations have highlighted the prevalence of discriminatory posts on social media, revealing a systemic issue that requires comprehensive action from governing bodies and tech companies alike.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The ongoing abuse of football players affects fans and communities, contributing to a climate of fear and discomfort among players, particularly those from minority backgrounds. The football community's response, including public statements and campaigns, is essential in fostering a more inclusive environment.

Businesses and jobs

Football clubs and organisations are under increased pressure to address racism within their ranks. The reputation of clubs can be severely impacted by incidents of abuse, leading to potential financial repercussions through loss of sponsorships or fan engagement.

Policy and regulation

The UK government is actively discussing measures to combat online abuse. This includes working with social media platforms to enhance monitoring and reporting mechanisms. The involvement of anti-discrimination groups like Kick It Out is crucial in shaping policies that support affected individuals and promote a zero-tolerance approach to racism in sports.

Numbers that matter

2,000+: Number of abusive social media posts documented in a single weekend targeting players in the Premier League.
4: Premier League players reported experiencing racial abuse over the same weekend as Fernandez and Gassama's incident.
1: The number of significant investigations currently underway by Police Scotland into the abuse aimed at Rangers players.

Definitions and jargon buster

Racial abuse: Any derogatory comments or actions directed at individuals based on their race or ethnicity.
Kick It Out: An anti-discrimination organisation that works to combat racism and promote inclusion in football.
Social media platforms: Websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or participate in social networking.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Expect ongoing investigations by Police Scotland and potential public statements from Rangers and other involved parties regarding their stance on racism and actions taken.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Watch for updates on policy changes from football organisations and the government aimed at tackling online abuse, as well as potential new initiatives from social media platforms to improve user safety.

Signals to watch

Official statements from Police Scotland regarding the outcome of their investigation.
Responses from Rangers and the Scottish Football Association on measures implemented to combat racism.
Any new policies introduced by social media companies to address and prevent online abuse.

Practical guidance

Do

Support anti-racism campaigns and initiatives within your community.
Report any instances of racial abuse you encounter on social media platforms.
Educate yourself and others on the impact of racism in sports and society.

Don’t

Ignore online abuse or dismiss its impact on individuals and communities.
Engage in or share racist comments or memes, regardless of context.
Assume that the issue of racism in sports is isolated; it is a widespread problem that needs collective action.

Checklist

Stay informed about ongoing incidents and investigations related to racial abuse in football.
Follow organisations like Kick It Out for updates and ways to help combat discrimination.
Engage in discussions about racism and inclusivity within your social circles.
Support football clubs that take a strong stand against racism.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the investigation by Police Scotland is underway, it is essential to recognise that not all instances of online abuse lead to successful prosecutions. The challenge lies in accurately identifying individuals behind anonymous accounts and ensuring that social media platforms provide the necessary support to victims. The complexity of online interactions adds another layer of difficulty in addressing this pervasive issue.

Bottom line

The recent incidents of racial abuse faced by Emmanuel Fernandez and Djeidi Gassama underline the urgent need for collective action against racism in football. As investigations unfold, it is vital for players, clubs, and fans to unite in the fight against discrimination, fostering a safer and more inclusive environment in the sport.

FAQs

What actions are being taken against the racist abuse faced by Fernandez and Gassama?

Police Scotland is conducting an investigation into the racist abuse directed at Emmanuel Fernandez and Djeidi Gassama, with the aim of identifying and prosecuting those responsible.

How common is racial abuse in football?

Racial abuse in football is a significant issue, with numerous cases reported across leagues, including the Premier League and Scottish Premiership, indicating a widespread problem that requires ongoing attention.

What can fans do to help combat racism in sports?

Fans can support anti-racism initiatives, report instances of racial abuse online, and engage in conversations about inclusivity and discrimination to promote awareness within their communities.