‘Racist behaviour is interfering with the game’: exploring football fans’ online responses to accusations of racism in football

This paper explores an incident of alleged fan racism involving Chelsea defender, Antonio Rüdiger. During a match against Tottenham Hotspur, in December 2019, Rüdiger claimed he heard racial abuse from Spurs fans. sparked broader national conversation regarding sport, and wider society. will draw on comprehensive content analysis Twitter comments to provide insights into reactions at the time incident. Was have played ‘race card’? believed used his ‘race’ attempt punish Spurs’ fans? Using thematic analysis, it highlight patterns responses this case illustrate football fans’ attitudes towards within English football. The close by offering some final thoughts how racism, other forms discrimination, can be both challenged inside stadium social media.