Football has long held a special place in global culture, uniting people across different backgrounds. Yet, within this shared passion lies a darker side: an increasing prevalence of online hate, abuse, and, disturbingly, the manipulation of fan sentiments by far-right groups. These groups, using social media and football’s reach, seek to exploit football rivalries to sow hate, amplify xenophobic views, and normalize racism and exclusion among fans. The recent case involving a Sheffield Wednesday fan’s inflammatory comments about the death of George Baldock sheds light on the disturbing ways that football rivalries and online platforms can create breeding grounds for hate and abuse, with some incidents even hinting at far-right influence.
Case Study: The George Baldock Incident
The tragic mocking of former Sheffield United player George Baldock’s death during a recent Sheffield derby illustrates how far-right elements exploit rivalries to drive division and hate. Baldock, a former Sheffield United player who tragically drowned in Athens, was remembered with respect by the club and its supporters. However, during the heated derby, a Wednesday fan appeared to display the message “Where’s Baldock?” on his phone, seemingly mocking Baldock’s death. The fan’s actions sparked outrage, with Sheffield Wednesday condemning the incident and reporting it to South Yorkshire Police for investigation.
While this incident is shocking, it is not isolated. In recent years, football has increasingly become a vehicle through which far-right groups attempt to stoke division and hatred, particularly through online platforms where anonymity and “trolling” make it easier to spread offensive and abusive content.
The Far Right’s Exploitation of Football Fandom
1. Why Football? The Attraction for Far-Right Groups
Football fandom presents an attractive target for far-right groups for several reasons:
- Large, Passionate Audience: Football has a massive global fanbase, creating a fertile ground for groups to spread messages under the guise of fandom. The emotional investment fans have in their teams, and their intense rivalries, provide an ideal platform for amplifying messages of hate and division.
- ‘Tribal’ Mentality: Football rivalries foster a “tribal” mentality, which far-right groups exploit to create an “us versus them” narrative. They use these rivalries to promote xenophobia, anti-immigrant sentiment, and nationalism, framing certain groups or players as “outsiders” or “enemies.”
- Historical Presence: The far right has a long history of infiltration in football, dating back to hooliganism in the 1970s and 80s when white supremacist and nationalist groups would recruit members and instigate violence at games. Although physical violence in stadiums has declined, the internet has created new, subtler ways for these groups to spread their influence.
2. Methods of Influence and Online Hate Tactics
Far-right groups use various tactics to influence football fans and spread hate online:
- Social Media Propaganda: Using fake accounts and bots, these groups spread hate-filled messages on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. They focus on emotionally charged issues, such as player ethnicity, immigration, or religion, framing foreign players or minority fan groups as “outsiders.”
- Exploiting Player Mistakes or Controversies: When high-profile players make mistakes or take a public stance (such as supporting anti-racism movements), far-right groups are quick to use these moments to mobilise fans against them, posting inflammatory comments and encouraging others to do the same.
- Targeting High-Profile Matches: Major matches, especially local derbies or games with significant immigrant representation, are seen as prime opportunities. During these events, far-right accounts ramp up rhetoric, creating and sharing racist or xenophobic content to stoke existing tensions.
- Influencing “Fan Forums” and “Supporter Pages”: Many far-right supporters infiltrate fan pages and online forums, gradually seeding hateful ideas and normalizing extremist views. On these forums, fans are encouraged to adopt exclusionary attitudes or to mock players and fans of different ethnicities.
Examples of Far-Right Influence in Football
The influence of far-right groups within football can be seen in several high-profile cases:
- Racism Towards Black Players: When Black players like Raheem Sterling or Marcus Rashford miss a goal or make a mistake, far-right accounts and trolls flood social media with racist comments, using the player’s actions as an excuse to launch racial abuse. Some of these comments are purposefully inflammatory, designed to spread anger and provoke other fans.
- Anti-Immigrant and Nationalistic Rhetoric: Far-right groups often target foreign players, especially those from Middle Eastern, African, or Eastern European backgrounds, framing them as “outsiders” taking positions that “belong” to local players. Players from immigrant backgrounds are singled out, particularly during international tournaments, and blamed for team losses to incite xenophobia.
- Exploitation of Tragedies: In cases like George Baldock’s, where a tragic death becomes fodder for mockery, the language and messaging can often carry far-right undertones. The intention is to provoke division and make other fans feel that respecting the deceased is akin to weakness, stoking rivalry to a hateful level.
Psychological Impact on Fans and Players
For players, this level of targeted abuse can have a devastating effect on mental health. Raheem Sterling, who has spoken about the impact of racial abuse on his performance and well-being, highlights how this abuse damages confidence and erodes players’ sense of safety. The same is true for fans who may feel attacked or marginalized. For immigrant fans, women, and minority groups, targeted hate can make attending matches or engaging in online discussions feel unsafe.
The far-right’s exploitation of football culture also has a profound societal impact, eroding the very inclusivity that football is meant to celebrate. Football was once a unifying force; however, far-right groups using it to promote hate only serves to drive people away from the sport or divide supporters within teams.
Responses and Solutions: Football’s Fight Against Hate and Far-Right Infiltration
1. Football Clubs: Educating and Enforcing Policies
Football clubs and leagues are increasingly aware of this infiltration and are taking active steps to address it:
- Educational Initiatives: Clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United have created educational programs to combat hate speech and racism, helping fans, especially young people, recognize the dangers of far-right rhetoric. These programs teach fans to support their teams passionately without resorting to abusive or exclusionary behavior.
- Zero-Tolerance Policies: Many clubs now enforce zero-tolerance policies toward hate speech, banning fans involved in racist or xenophobic behavior. In the George Baldock case, Sheffield Wednesday’s swift condemnation of the fan’s behavior, as well as their collaboration with police, sends a clear message against hate speech.
- Mental Health Support: Recognizing the impact of online abuse, several clubs are partnering with mental health organizations to support players and fans affected by online hate. This includes providing counseling services, safe spaces for discussions, and promoting mental well-being.
2. Social Media Companies and Government Regulation
Social media platforms are under increasing pressure to address the hate and far-right rhetoric present on their platforms:
- Improved Moderation and Reporting: Platforms like Twitter and Instagram have implemented stricter moderation, using artificial intelligence to detect hate speech. However, while automated detection can be effective, far-right groups have found ways to circumvent this, often using coded language. Improved transparency around moderation and faster response times for reports would significantly reduce the spread of hate.
- Mandatory ID Verification for Accounts: Some advocates argue for ID verification for social media accounts, which could make it harder for far-right groups to create multiple fake profiles. Requiring real identity verification could curb anonymity-driven hate but comes with privacy challenges.
- Government Legislation: In the UK, the Online Safety Bill aims to hold social media companies accountable for allowing hate speech and harmful content to flourish on their platforms. This legislation could require companies to take greater responsibility for the content posted, with fines for non-compliance, potentially reducing hate speech in football-related content.
3. Fan Education and Community Building
Lastly, fan education is essential. Clubs, players, and fan organizations can work together to promote messages of inclusion, educating supporters about the dangers of far-right ideologies and the importance of diversity within the game. Campaigns like “Kick It Out” and “Show Racism the Red Card” have been instrumental in raising awareness about racism and encouraging fans to report abuse.
The intersection of football fandom, social media, and far-right influence is a troubling but increasingly visible problem. By manipulating fan sentiments, far-right groups seek to divide communities, promote hate, and erode the values of respect and inclusivity that football should embody. The George Baldock incident underscores the need for continued efforts from clubs, social media platforms, and fans to address hate speech and the far-right’s exploitation of football.
Through collective action—strengthened policies, educational initiatives, and a commitment to inclusivity—football can resist the influence of far-right groups and ensure that the game remains a force for unity and positivity. Football’s global community, with its diversity and passion, deserves a space free from hate and extremism. Together, we can protect the sport, its players, and its fans from the corrosive effects of online abuse and far-right exploitation, fostering an environment where football is once again a source of joy, inspiration, and togetherness.
