Lights, Camera, ACTION: Are You Ready to Act Against Racism? What we can learn from the bold stance football is taking
- Selina Kotecha
- Aug 21
- 3 min read
Friday marked the highly anticipated start of the 25/26 Premier League season, with reigning champions Liverpool hosting Bournemouth. It proved to be a gripping encounter and gained headline news.
Yet, instead of the focus remaining on football, the game was overshadowed as racism once again raised its ugly head. This wasn’t the first instance, but what followed felt noticeably different.
The match was paused after Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo reported racist abuse from a spectator. It was the first time I had witnessed this, a live, televised match brought to a standstill while the incident was investigated and the individual removed by police. A bold move and a strong message, football is no longer tolerating racism, sweeping it under the carpet or dealing with it later behind closed doors.
From gestures to meaningful action
In the post-match coverage, Bournemouth captain Adam Smith, clearly affected by the episode, made a striking point:
“Taking the knee is having no effect, we've been doing it a long time now and no one is getting it.”
This echoes the recent decision by the Lionesses to stop taking the knee, citing its diminishing impact. There's a growing recognition that while gestures and awareness campaigns have their place, they are not enough. In the moment action is needed.
Racism leaves a lasting mark
Semenyo followed the FA’s “See it. Hear it. Report it.” protocol, a system that prioritises reporting rather than reacting. That process worked and sent a clear message. How Semenyo managed to compose himself, report the abuse, and continue playing, eventually scoring twice is beyond admirable. Likely, the surge of adrenaline and emotion carried him through but there is no doubt that the incident would have taken its toll.
What often gets overlooked is that racism is a form of trauma. UK charity Mind describes racial trauma as the toll racism takes on both the mind and body. Its effects are long-lasting, and play a role in the persistent underrepresentation in leadership and captaincy across sport. We worked with Mind on understanding the overlap between mental health and ethnicity, and know the tangled web they weave together.
These are the quieter, more insidious impacts of racism, for anyone who has lived through racism, they are deeply felt and ever-present.
Looking ahead
So, what lessons can we draw from last week’s events?
Clear protocols must exist for addressing not only overt racism but also the more subtle, everyday forms like microaggressions. In my experience, many workplaces have developed policies and procedures, but the issue lies in if - and how - they are used.
Beyond raising awareness, we need practical training and scenario-based learning so individuals are equipped and confident to act in real time. While many may feel fatigued by conversations around racism, incidents like this show it’s far from over. Whether you lead public spaces, manage workplaces, or influence your family environment, we all need to move beyond symbolic gestures to real, informed action.
Those who experience racism, need robust, compassionate support systems. This should include space to decompress, reflect, and rebuild confidence. Allies must understand how to show up, and support must be tailored to the individual’s needs.
Policies and processes are just words on a page unless they are accessible, clearly understood, and usable in the moment. Only then can we feel confident and equipped to take meaningful action when it truly counts.