Q: What does the new study on spectator racism in Australia suggest?

A: The study suggests that spectator racism is on the rise among Australia's major male-dominated sporting codes.

Q: Have steps been taken to address racism since notable incidents like Nicky Winmar's?

A: Yes, organizations running sports have implemented mechanisms for spectators to identify and report racist behavior. However, the volume of reported racist incidents has increased over recent years.

Q: Do spectators report racist incidents?

A: Despite being aware of the reporting mechanisms, very few spectators report racist incidents. Observations are common, but reporting is minimal, with only around two to three percent of incidents being reported.

Q: Why don't spectators report racist incidents?

A: The study found a mismatch between spectators’ discomfort with racist behaviors and their willingness to report them. The reasons for this discrepancy are still unclear and require further investigation.

Q: What penalties exist for fans who exhibit racist behavior?

A: Penalties have become more significant, ranging from several years' bans to life bans for repeat offenders or those who show no interest in changing their behavior. For instance, an A-League fan received a two-year ban for performing a Nazi salute.

Q: What measures could clubs take to encourage reporting of racist behavior?

A: Clubs could reach out more effectively to their members and fans, encouraging them to report incidents. Simple reporting methods, such as texting security during a game, could be promoted to make individuals feel safer about reporting without fear of recrimination.

1. The study involved interviewing approximately 2,000 sports spectators who identified as part of a European or white tradition.

2. Over the past two years, there has been an increase in racist incidents observed by spectators across various sports codes, including AFL, NRL, and A-League.

3. The percentage of spectators reporting racist incidents has increased, with AFL at 30%, NRL at 40%, and A-League at 50% over the past two years.

4. The trend indicates a substantial increase in racist incidents, especially in the A-League, which had only 5% reported incidents 10 years ago.

5. Despite efforts like Indigenous rounds in AFL and NRL to celebrate diversity, some spectators still exhibit racist behavior, showing resistance to such initiatives.

6. The impact of racist abuse on players is severe, especially when it becomes repeated harassment, affecting their performance and mental well-being.

7. The study revealed that while mechanisms exist for reporting inappropriate behavior, such as texting security, many spectators choose not to take action, leading to a culture of turning a blind eye to racism.

8. There are three main groups of spectators: those who are upset by racist incidents, those who consider it banter, and a small minority who admit to being racist themselves.

9. The study aims to understand why spectators choose not to report racist incidents despite being upset by them, highlighting the need for further research and interventions to address this issue.

These findings underscore the persistence of racist behavior among sports spectators and the importance of taking proactive measures to combat racism in sporting events.