The beautiful game is getting ugly, and it’s not just about the fouls on the field. Soccer, a sport beloved by millions, is wrestling with a seriously toxic problem that’s making fans and players cringe harder than a bad penalty kick.

Racial abuse is spiking across European soccer leagues faster than a Mbappé sprint, and it’s not just a few isolated incidents. From the Premier League to Serie A, Black players are facing a barrage of disgusting racist attacks that are turning stadiums into hostile environments.

A Game of Hate, Not Sport

In just the first few weeks of the season, we’ve seen racism rear its ugly head multiple times. Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo was racially abused before the match even hit the 30-minute mark. Weston McKennie faced racist taunts in Italy, while Kylian Mbappé had a fan arrested for making monkey noises during a match.

The Systemic Problem

This isn’t just random fan behavior – it’s a deeply rooted issue that exposes the systemic racism plaguing professional soccer. Despite initiatives by FIFA and UEFA, these incidents continue to occur with disturbing frequency. As Piara Powar from the Fare network notes, the number of racist incidents has more than doubled compared to last season.

Fighting Back

Black players are demanding more. They’re not just asking for apologies, but for real consequences. Gary Neville, a former player, is calling for deeper systemic changes, questioning whether employers should be contacted and if clubs should face punishment.

Until soccer truly confronts its racism problem, the beautiful game will continue to be tarnished by the ugliest of human behaviors.