Racism Against East and South East Asians in Football

Racism against East and South East Asians in football has become an increasingly prominent issue. Recent incidents highlight the challenges players and fans face globally. The seven-game ban for Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur following a racial slur aimed at teammate Son Heung-min has reignited discussions around discrimination in football.

Rising Reports of Racism

Anti-racism charity Kick It Out (KIO) recorded a significant rise in reports of player-targeted racist abuse during the 2023–24 season. Of the 395 cases, 55% involved East Asian players. Over the past five years, 35% of the 937 reported cases targeted just seven East and South East Asian players.

KIO chief executive Samuel Okafor emphasized, “Fans are sending a clear message that they won’t tolerate discrimination, and football must listen.”

Prominent Victims of Racism

Among the most visible players targeted are Son Heung-min, Hwang Hee-Chan, and Japanese stars Kaoru Mitoma and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Son, in particular, has faced multiple incidents since joining the Premier League in 2015. A Nottingham Forest fan was recently banned from all stadiums following racist abuse against him.

The Fans’ Perspective

Fans of East and South East Asian descent also report frequent abuse. Kevin Yuan, a content creator for the Chinese market, shared his experience of being racially abused outside Wembley Stadium. He stated, “It feels like part of our job [to take abuse], but it’s unsettling and isolating.”

Combatting Stereotypes in Football

Maxwell Min, from the Frank Soo Foundation, argues that systemic issues contribute to the problem. “There’s a perception that East Asians don’t play football or have a shallow interest in the sport. This characterizes them as ‘tourists,’ which fosters exclusion.”

Despite these challenges, Min is optimistic, citing Son’s achievements as inspirational for young players. Initiatives from organizations like Kick It Out and Show Racism the Red Card aim to address these issues and promote inclusivity.

Tackling Racism in Football

The rise in awareness and action against racism provides hope for change. Football must take meaningful steps to ensure that discrimination is eradicated, fostering a welcoming environment for players and fans alike.