5 times footballers had to deal with racism
Hunter S. Thompson once wrote that humans are the only species that claim the existence of God, but are also the only one that act like there isn't one. Despite coming so far from the cavemen era, we are yet to eradicate something as inscrutable as racism.
In this time and age - where technological and scientific innovations have taken civilisation to a pinnacle - it is astounding that people choose to feel against someone for the colour of their skin. Footballers, who are often treated like Gods, are also not beyond it.
Many a time have we witnessed racism in football and the issue is still not solved - and I doubt it will ever be. However, some footballers responded against it in a manner that will forever be etched in the hearts of many.
And here are 5 such cases:
#5 Mario Balotelli
Whenever a list of football mavericks is compiled, Mario Balotelli’s name is almost always there in it. The controversial Italian has had an erratic career and is known more for his off-field antics rather than his talents as a footballer – which is a shame because he was one of the brightest prospects once upon a time.
The criticism he gets is almost always deserved, but nobody deserves to be discriminated on the basis of the colour of her/his skin. For the Italian, being the subject of racist abuse is not a new thing as he has faced the atrocity during his time in Italy.
However, when he faced similar abuse in France during a 1-1 draw against Bastia, he had some burning questions:
“Is it normal that Bastia supporters make monkey noise and ‘uh uh’ for the whole game and no one of the ‘commissions discipline’ say nothing?
“So is racism LEGAL in France? Or only in Bastia? Football is an amazing sport … those people like Bastia supporters make it horrible.”
Indeed, it is, Mario. Indeed it is.