REAL Patriots Stand Up

Say no to racism and extremism in football.

As the 2026 World Cup begins today, we should embrace our patriotism and support our national teams. In the UK, many will be cheering for the Three Lions with pride, but it is vital that this support never results in harm or prejudice toward others.

As a multicultural nation, we coexist within a diverse tapestry of backgrounds and heritages, which naturally means there may be people supporting different teams during major tournaments like the World Cup.

We need to remember that this variety of support is perfectly acceptable and should be respected within our communities. Supporting a team other than the UK national side is not an act of disrespect toward the UK; quite the contrary, it is a reflection of the inclusive and pluralistic society we have built.

Individuals who cheer for other nations do so because they feel the same deep-seated passion and emotional connection for their birthplace or ancestral heritage as you do for yours. This shared enthusiasm for football and national identity, regardless of the specific football shirt one wears, is a common bond that should unite fans rather than divide them.

Racism, attacking players, or harassing other fans should never occur, regardless of how high emotions run during a match. Such inexcusable and abhorrent behaviour fundamentally contradicts the spirit of the game. True sportsmanship requires maintaining respect even in moments of intense competition or disappointment.

We must never accept or forget the events following the 2020 Euros. After England's defeat to Italy in a penalty shootout during the final at Wembley Stadium in July 2021, a massive wave of online racist abuse was directed at three Black players. This incident served as a stark reminder of the prejudice that still lingers within certain segments of the fanbase and the digital spaces where they congregate.

The same players who were being cheered as heroes during the tournament earlier were suddenly treated appallingly because of a single sporting outcome. This fickle and hateful shift in attitude demonstrates how quickly national pride can be weaponised by some into racial hostility, undermining the inclusive community that football should foster.

We have a collective responsibility to challenge this toxicity and ensure that no individual is subjected to such treatment based on the colour of their skin or their performance on the pitch.

Extremism should play no part in football either. The beautiful game is built on a foundation of sportsmanship, fair play, and mutual respect, principles that are diametrically opposed to extremist ideologies which seek to radicalise individuals and foster intolerance.

Radical groups sometimes attempt to exploit the high emotions and strong tribal loyalties associated with football to spread divisive narratives or recruit vulnerable supporters. This manipulation of national pride and team spirit into something exclusionary and hateful undermines the very essence of the sport.

In fact football has frequently served as a bridge to overcome deep-seated divisions. A poignant historical example of this occurred in 1914 during World War 1, in what is now famously recognised as the Christmas truce.

During this extraordinary event, British and German troops initiated an unofficial cease-fire. They downed their weapons and emerged from their respective trenches to come together in no-man's-land. Reports from the time highlight how these soldiers, who were previously engaged in bitter conflict, shared gifts, sang carols, and most notably, participated in impromptu football matches. This moment demonstrated the unique power of the sport to foster human connection and mutual respect, even amidst the extremes of war.

We must remain vigilant against any attempt to use football as a platform for promoting radical or extremist agendas that encourage violence or social fragmentation, ensuring that stadiums and online fan spaces remain safe and inclusive environments for everyone. This vigilance requires a proactive stance from fans, clubs, and governing bodies alike to identify and challenge the subtle ways extremist ideologies can infiltrate sporting culture.

Radical groups often attempt to exploit the high emotions and strong tribal loyalties inherent in football to recruit vulnerable supporters and spread divisive narratives. By manipulating national pride and team spirit into something exclusionary, these groups undermine the very essence of the sport, which should be built on sportsmanship and mutual respect. It is essential to recognise that true patriotism and support for a team do not require the disparagement or exclusion of others.

Furthermore, the digital landscape has become a significant battleground for maintaining the integrity of the game. Online fan spaces must be monitored and moderated to prevent them from becoming breeding grounds for hate speech and radicalisation. As seen in the aftermath of the 2020 Euros, online platforms can quickly be weaponised to direct racist abuse and extremist hostility toward players and fans. By fostering a culture of accountability and inclusivity both in the stands and online, we can ensure that football continues to serve as a bridge for human connection rather than a tool for division.

If you witness racism or extremism there are several ways in which you can take action and do something about it like reporting it.

Anti-Terrorism Hotline on 0800 789 321 -  To report suspicious activity, behaviour, or travel plans that may suggest a terrorist threat.

Gov.UK - www.gov.uk/report-terrorism - To report online extremist material, hateful ideologies, or terrorist content anonymously

To report racist or extreme material online -  Download the iREPORTit App, please search for it in your phone's app store

If you are concerned about someone, local authorities (such as your local council's Prevent or safeguarding team) can also be a great call to provide support.

On behalf of Exit, we wish everyone involved in the world cup, a safe and enjoyable experience and of course wish our home teams, England & Scotland all the very best in this competition.