Several high-profile incidents of racism have recently occurred in soccer worldwide. The Other Side host Scot Kirk talks to sports writer and author Edward Akinyemi about what's fueling the racism, and why Black soccer players so often find themselves the object of hate and abuse.

Racist abuse comes from fans in the stands, other players on the pitch, game officials, sports writers and broadcasters, and online trolls.

Contributing to the often toxic environment in soccer is how Black athletes are  stereotyped in the media, with their talents reduced to physical prowess, while white athletes are more frequently praised for having mental qualities like determination and strategic thinking.

Finally, Akinyemi explains why soccer never took off in the U.S. like it has elsewhere and what can be done to increase the sport's popularity here.

Several high-profile incidents of racism have recently occurred in soccer worldwide. The Other Side host Scot Kirk talks to sports writer and author Edward Akinyemi about what's fueling the racism, and why Black soccer players so often find themselves the object of hate and abuse.
Racist abuse comes from fans in the stands, other players on the pitch, game officials, sports writers and broadcasters, and online trolls.
Contributing to the often toxic environment in soccer is how Black athletes are &nbsp;stereotyped in the media, with their talents reduced to physical prowess, while white athletes are more frequently praised for having mental qualities like determination and strategic thinking.
Finally, Akinyemi explains why soccer never took off in the U.S. like it has elsewhere and what can be done to increase the sport's popularity here.

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Digital audio from The Columbus Dispatch in Ohio. Hear the latest interviews from news-makers, politicians, artists and musicians.

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From the Newsroom: The Columbus Dispatch

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Several high-profile incidents of racism have recently occurred in soccer worldwide.

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