According to a recent report from Ofcom and Kick It Out, the online abuse faced by individuals in sports is escalating, leading to severe consequences for their mental health and personal lives. Testimonies from athletes, such as Azeem Rafiq, reveal harrowing experiences of racist and misogynistic attacks, deeply affecting their well-being. Beyond personal suffering, the abuse also impacts families, with reports of threats and violent content directed at loved ones. This rising trend of online harassment has become normalized, fundamentally changing the landscape of sports commentary and participation.
People would post on social media that I was a Dirty P-word; that I should Fuck off back to Pakistan and that All Muslims are bombers. The abuse left me feeling incredibly paranoid, at times, and often made me question my sanity.
What made it worse was the direct impact over time on my family, he said. Misogynistic language aimed at my wife because of her association with me, including comments like You fucking bitch! You slut!
The impact of this experience on me as a human being and on my mental health has damaged my life to such an extent, I'm not sure I'll ever be able to quantify it.
The report showed that abuse of people in sport had become normalised. The impact of online abuse is undeniable, and the rise in discriminatory abuse is concerning for everyone.
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