Ghanaian Footballers Battling Racism: A Continuing Struggle
Over the weekend, two Ghanaian footballers found themselves at the center of racist attacks while representing their clubs on the pitch. This unfortunate trend highlights the ongoing issue of racism in football, despite efforts to eradicate it from the beautiful game.
For years, Ghanaian players have been subjected to racial abuse while showcasing their talents on the field. Here, we take a look at eight Ghanaian footballers who have bravely faced racist incidents in recent times.
1. Sulley Muntari
In April 2017, Sulley Muntari, playing for Pescara in Serie A, was targeted with racist chants by fans during a match against Cagliari. Despite reporting the abuse to the referee, Muntari was booked for dissent. In protest, he walked off the pitch, sparking a global conversation about racism in football.
2. Kevin-Prince Boateng
In 2013, Kevin-Prince Boateng, while playing for AC Milan, was subjected to monkey chants by fans in a friendly match against Pro Patria. Boateng responded by kicking the ball into the crowd, removing his shirt, and walking off the pitch, leading to the abandonment of the game.
3. Tony Yeboah
During his time at Eintracht Frankfurt in the early 1990s, Tony Yeboah faced racist taunts and monkey noises from fans. Despite the abuse, Yeboah rose above the hate to become a Bundesliga club captain and a top scorer in the league.
4. Lawrence Ati-Zigi
In recent years, Ghanaian goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi has been a target of racist chants while playing for FC St. Gallen in Switzerland. These incidents have highlighted the need for greater action against racism in football.
5. Benjamin Tetteh
Benjamin Tetteh experienced monkey chants from extreme fans during his time at Sparta Prague in the Czech Republic. The abuse he endured led to the termination of his contract, shedding light on the pervasive nature of racism in football.
6. Inaki Williams
Born to Ghanaian parents in Spain, Inaki Williams faced racist insults during a La Liga match in 2020. Williams spoke out against the abuse, emphasizing the need to eradicate racism from the sport.
7. Christopher Antwi-Adjei
Schalke 04’s Christopher Antwi-Adjei experienced vile racist comments during a cup tie, prompting officials to address the issue. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against racism in football.
8. Antoine Semenyo
During a Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth, Antoine Semenyo was reportedly racially abused by a spectator. Despite the attack, Semenyo showed resilience by scoring two goals in the game, underscoring the need for unity in the fight against racism.
These incidents remind us that the fight against racism in football is far from over. It is crucial for football’s governing bodies, clubs, players, and fans to come together to stamp out this shameful behavior and create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
