English-speaking soccer commentary features widespread racial bias, according to a study by Danish firm RunRepeat.
The study, performed in coordination with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), analyzed 2,073 statements from English-speaking commentators across the Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, and Ligue 1 this season.
It found that players with darker skin tones are “significantly more likely” to be reduced to physical traits such as “pace” and “power.”
Roughly 62% of praise was aimed at players with lighter skin, who were often lauded for their intelligence, hard work, and quality. Meanwhile, 63.33% of commentators’ criticism relating to the intelligence of a player is aimed at those with darker skin.
In addition, a player’s power is 6.59 times more likely to be discussed by commentators if he has darker skin, while his pace is 3.38 times more likely to be talked about.
“To address the real impact of structural racism, we have to acknowledge and address racial bias. This study shows an evident bias in how we describe the attributes of footballers based on their skin color,” PFA equalities executive Jason Lee said.
He added: “Commentators help shape the perception we hold of each player, deepening any racial bias already held by the viewer. It’s important …read more