Study finds racial bias in international soccer commentary

A study conducted by RunRepeat and The Professional Footballers' Association found that international commentators intentionally or unintentionally displayed racial bias during soccer matches throughout the 2019-20 European calendar that experienced disruptions due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The study examined 80 matches, in total, across the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, Italian Serie A and French Ligue 1. The study found that 62.6 percent of praise during those matches was directed toward "players with lighter skin tone," while 63.33 percent of criticism was heard when commentators spoke about "players with darker skin tone."

The study also determined commentators frequently reserved praise of a footballer's athletic abilities, such as pace and power, for players with darker skin tone. Meanwhile, players with lighter skin tone were more likely to receive recognition for "intellectual and cognitive prowess, and a strong, blue collar-like work ethic.”

The paper quotes PFA Equalities Executive Jason Lee: “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 colour.

"Commentators help shape the perception we hold of each player, deepening any racial bias already held by the viewer. It’s important to consider how far-reaching those perceptions can be and how they impact footballers even once they finish their playing career.

"If a player has aspirations of becoming a coach/manager, is an unfair advantage given to players that commentators regularly refer to as intelligent and industrious, when those views appear to be a result of racial bias?”

Following the killing of George Floyd, players in England and throughout Europe knelt ahead of training sessions and matches to show solidarity with the "Black Lives Matter" movement. 

Premier League players also wore shirts with "Black Lives Matter" in place of their names when matches resumed amid the virus outbreak on June 17.