Europeans, especially on the continent, maintain an appearance of superiority and enlightenment, especially in comparison to their Western neighbors across the ocean. Despite this progressive self-perception, recent happenings at soccer stadiums across Europe belie such notions. The Associated Press reports the following horrible (and recent) incidents:
- In England, black striker Dwight Yorke said he was subjected to racist gestures and noises in Birmingham City's game at Blackburn.
- French club Paris St. Germain has an area where only white fans are welcome; another section is open to Paris' many Arab and black immigrants.
- Fans of the Czech team Sparta Prague still shout "Slavia Jude'' (Slavia Jew) against local rivals Slavia Prague. The chant dates from the pre-World War II era, when Slavia fans included many Jewish businessmen.
- Fans of Greek club Panathinaikos are under investigation for racial taunts last month against black players from English club Arsenal.
- Two black players for the French club Bastia were roughed up and insulted by 30 fans after a match earlier this month.
Perhaps the most egregious example of this racist abuse is the Spain v. England game in Madrid. Played at the Santiago Bernabeu, the home stadium of Real Madrid, black players for England were taunted by many fans with monkey noises each time they touched the ball.
The article covering more of these events may be found here...