"Critically analyse the construction of 'race'/ethnicity in the context of a particular sporting subculture: What's the difference between black and white, or is it white and black? A critical analysis on the perceptions of racism in English soccer.

The first 200 words of this essay...

"Critically analyse the construction of 'race'/ethnicity the context of a particular sporting subculture: What's the difference between black and white, or is it white and black? A critical analysis on the perceptions of racism in English soccer from fans, players and the media."

Although sport has long been associated with a myth that it offers an avenue of social mobility for socio-economically deprived groups (Maguire, in Jarive 1991; Jones, 2002), racism continues to be a problem in football across Europe. Racism in football (since the first black players emerged) has always been a problem, many perceive that it will always remain a problem, however most are hopeful that in time the problem will be eradicated. But what actually constitutes racism? Does it have to be overt; from white Right-Wing Neo-Nazi's and/or football hooligans protesting against the presence of coloured individuals in the game, can it be covert institutional racism where black players have to try harder to impress (and therefore succeed) in comparison to white players to prove their worth in the game, or is it yet another form of racism from the unsuspecting, i.e. football commentators complimenting white players of 'intelligent' passing or runs off the ball,