Overview of Football Has a Problem: Social Media — Who Should Regulate Platforms & Are Things Getting Worse?
Craig Beasley and Manny Fangaderi discuss how online abuse, weak moderation and anonymous accounts affect footballers, fans and content creators. Drawing on football incidents and Beasley’s experience of harassment and doxxing, they argue that social media platforms, football clubs, authorities and the media all have a role in making online spaces safer.
Why the Hosts Say Social Media Is Getting Worse
The hosts criticize platforms such as X, Facebook and Instagram for inconsistent moderation: harmful posts and repeat harassment can remain online, while other accounts or content may be removed. They also discuss misinformation, hacked accounts and attempts to take down creators’ channels through bogus complaints.
They believe platform owners’ decisions shape what is tolerated, and argue that engagement and profit can reward divisive content. They acknowledge that social media can help fans connect and spread support, but say its benefits are being undermined by abuse and weak safeguards.
Football, Racism and Online Abuse
The conversation covers racist abuse directed at England players Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka after the Euro 2020 final. The hosts say the players deserved stronger, earlier support, and that managers and football associations have a responsibility to stand up for players facing abuse.
They also discuss an incident in which Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo reported racist abuse from a spectator during a match at Liverpool’s ground. The person was removed from the stadium and charged, which the hosts contrast with platforms’ perceived failure to act consistently on online abuse. They note that harassment in football can also target players’ families, sexuality, religion and female officials.
Beasley’s Experience of Harassment and Doxxing
Beasley describes being targeted after posting in support of Syrian refugees. He says one person used numerous pseudonymous accounts to send him abusive messages, including racist and antisemitic content, and eventually posted his home address. He reported the accounts to Twitter and contacted the police; he says the police traced an IP address, but no one was charged.
He also recounts a later incident in which someone used a photo of his young daughter as a profile picture to harass him. The experience leads the hosts to emphasize that online abuse can threaten people’s safety and wellbeing, especially when accounts can be recreated after being blocked.
Who Should Take Responsibility?
The hosts see platform companies as responsible for improving abuse detection, responding to reports, stopping repeat accounts and removing personal information posted to intimidate people. They discuss stronger identity checks as one possible way to discourage anonymous harassment, while recognizing that this raises questions about privacy and access.
They also argue that football clubs should protect players and fans, take action against supporters who abuse others and help players manage public accounts. They do not favor a blanket ban on players using social media, but suggest clubs set clear expectations and consequences for harmful posts. For younger players, they recommend guidance on online risks and consider whether stricter age protections are needed.
The hosts cite the Alex Belfield case, in which a court sentenced him for harassment, as an example of legal action against online abuse. They argue that ordinary people should receive meaningful protection too, rather than cases gaining attention mainly when public figures are involved.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
- Platforms should enforce clear, consistent rules against racist abuse, harassment, doxxing and repeat offending.
- Clubs and national teams should support people targeted online and act against abusive conduct by players or supporters.
- Players should be able to use social media, with guidance and accountability for their public posts.
- Authorities should ensure online harassment is investigated and protections are accessible to ordinary users.
- Users and communities can help by reporting abuse, supporting those targeted and building connections beyond major platforms.
The episode’s central message is that social media can be useful, but its benefits depend on stronger protections and shared responsibility from platforms, football organizations, authorities, the media and users.