Abstract

In August 1993 the Commission for Racial Equality launched a campaign to challenge racism in football. This article provides some background to the issue based on research carried out between 1989 and 1994. It is suggested that the source of such racism has been a neglected issue, despite its very public profile. It is argued that the racial abuse and chanting that surface on football terraces are examples of racial harassment. It is harassment that extends beyond the terraces and particularly impinges on the life of ethnic minority residents living in the vicinity of football grounds. The research gathered evidence from three locations ‐ Leeds, Newcastle and Bolton ‐ to assess the extent to which ethnic minorities, both as players and residents, were being disproportionately affected by this harassment and introduces the concept of ‘burden of abuse’. Some historical background is provided and football stadia are considered as key symbolic sites where a basic white working class racism has found expression. The public policy implications are also considered and particularly the use of the 1991 Football (Offences) Act. Recommendations for action and future research are offered at the conclusion.