In late May, the United States woke to the brouhaha from its citizens who rendered the country ungovernable.
The eruption was sparked by the killing of George Floyd. With his face pinned beneath three police officers, pleading to breathe, his pleas fell on deaf ears as he finally succumbed to his death. His killing sparked an unrest globally with football associations urged to fight racism in their soccer matches as it is believed Floyd's murder was fuelled by racial discrimination in the US, and not the cigarettes he is alleged to have paid for with counterfeit money. The I Can’t Breathe and Black Lives Matter was born.
This not only affected the prematch routine of soccer matches, as players took a knee, but also used to raise more awareness about racism in football.
As per the words of former president Nelson Mandela, sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers.
One did not need to be an expert mind reader to fathom the deep thoughts and emotions of black players when they take a knee. A cry for inclusivity and acceptance in European leagues is written all over their faces.
It is common in European leagues that players of African origins often endure the indignity of being called monkeys. Solidarity among other African players has been forged with players often storming out of the soccer fields. Despite sanctions by football federations, racism still rears its ugly head in European leagues.
In SA, a diverse country with an estimated population of 59 million people of different races, cultures, tribes and religious groups, we are still a very sensitive country with ethnicity insults thrown around when the heat is on between people of different identities. It's my wish that the awareness about racism and tribalism be given space in local football,and a campaign similar to taking a knee be started.
The fortunate part in our league cases of racism and tribalism are rare, with the case of Black Leopards chair David Thidiela against referee Victor Hlongwane being one of few known reported cases. Be that as may, we cannot assume that everything is hunky-dory in the field of play until emotions get the better of the players and officials, culminating in exchange of ethnicity insults.
After all, prevention is better than cure.
• Mogotlane is a social commentator and a public servant.
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