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PFA STUDY FROM 80 TOP-FLIGHT GAMES AROUND EUROPE REVEALS ‘RACIAL BIAS’ DISPLAYED BY TV COMMENTATORS
INTELLIGENCE: 63% of praise was aimed at players with a lighter skin tone PHYSICALITY: 6.59 times more likely to reference ’power’ with darker-skinned players WORK RATE: 60% of praise was aimed at players with a lighter skin tone
A NEW study has shown “racial bias” from TV commentators.
The shock research from RunRepeat reveals players with “darker skin tones” were more likely to be singled out as having “pace and power” while white players were more frequently described as being “intelligent”.
The Professional Footballers’ Association commissioned the report from the Danish research group which studied the commentary transcripts from 80 games in the Premier League, Serie A, La Liga and French Ligue 1.
PFA Equalities Executive Jason Lee said: “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 or 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?”
The study analysed 2,073 statements across these matches with commentators speaking in English and working for UK, USA and Canadian media outlets, where they discussed 643 unique players of various skin tones.
Some of the key findings on commentators revealed…
Intelligence: 63 per cent of praise aimed at players with a lighter skin tone.
Physicality: 6.59 times more likely to talk about players with a darker skin tone in reference to power.
Work Rate: 60 per cent of praise aimed at players with a lighter skin tone.
The research said: “Players have been unified in their support of the Black Lives Matter movement, sending a strong message about equality.
“However, the players themselves still have to navigate systemically racist structures, despite their significant platforms and professional success. This racial bias study makes the nuances of that structure apparent.”
Kick It Out head of development Troy Townsend held a Zoom call with 24 Sky employees – including presenters Kelly Cates and David Jones and pundits Jamie Redknapp, Graeme Souness, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher – to discuss the language used in TV analysis.
Neville acknowledged after the meeting: “We have to do more individually, as broadcasters, as journalists, and have greater knowledge of the distress and discrimination that we don’t see.”
It comes as the Premier League, PFA and EFL launched a new coach placement scheme aimed at increasing the number of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) players transitioning into full-time coaching roles in the professional game.
The scheme will provide up to six coaches per season with a 23-month intensive work placement within EFL clubs. It is jointly funded by the Premier League and the PFA with bursaries provided to each participant via the placement club.
Darren Moore, chairman of the Premier League’s Black Participants’ Advisory Group, said: “This is a critical time for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic coaches.
“We all know and agree that the diversity of coaches and managers must increase and this placement scheme represents a positive step.”