It is indeed disheartening to hear about incidents of racial abuse leading to the abandonment of two international football matches in Austria. The New Zealand vs Qatar friendly and the Republic of Ireland Under-21s vs Kuwait Under-22s encounter both witnessed players being subjected to racial slurs, highlighting the persistent problem of racism in the sport.
During the New Zealand vs Qatar match, Michael Boxall, a New Zealand player, was reportedly racially abused by an opponent just before halftime. Several New Zealand players confirmed hearing the racial slur, which prompted their decision not to return for the second half. The New Zealand football federation expressed full support for the players’ stand against racism and emphasized that such behavior has no place in football.
In the Republic of Ireland Under-21s vs Kuwait Under-22s match, the play was abandoned after a Kuwaiti player allegedly made a racist remark towards an Irish substitute. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) condemned the incident and reaffirmed its strong stance against racism. The FAI intends to report the incident to FIFA and UEFA, the governing bodies of international football.
These incidents serve as stark reminders that racism remains a pervasive issue in football and needs to be actively addressed by the footballing community. Efforts to combat racism, promote inclusivity, and educate players, officials, and fans about the importance of respect and equality are crucial in creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment in the sport.