Qarabag fined over fan racism in Chelsea youth game – BBC

Report on Racial Discrimination in European Youth Football: An SDG Perspective

1.0 Executive Summary

This report details incidents of racial discrimination during recent UEFA-sanctioned youth and senior football matches, specifically involving supporters of Qarabag FK and Atletico Madrid. The analysis frames these events and the subsequent institutional responses within the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

2.0 Incident Analysis: Qarabag vs. Chelsea (UEFA Youth League)

An incident of racist abuse occurred during the UEFA Youth League match on November 5, 2025, in Baku, Azerbaijan. This event directly contravenes the global commitment to fostering inclusive societies.

2.1 Chronology of Events

1. Arsenal striker Sol Gordon, 17, scored for Chelsea in the 57th minute.
2. Following the goal celebration, at least one supporter directed racist abuse, including monkey gestures, towards the player.
3. The match was temporarily halted as Chelsea players and coaching staff reported the abuse to the referee, Dmytro Kubriak.
4. After discussions, the match resumed, concluding in a 5-0 victory for Chelsea.

2.2 Stakeholder Responses

• Chelsea FC: The club officially raised the matter with UEFA and commended its players and staff for their professional conduct in line with established protocols. This action supports the framework of SDG 16 by utilizing institutional channels to seek justice.
• Qarabag FK: A club spokesperson issued an apology, stating the behaviour was contrary to the club’s values and committed to a thorough internal investigation.

3.0 Institutional Sanctions and Accountability

UEFA, as the governing body, has taken disciplinary action against the clubs involved, reflecting an institutional commitment to enforcing non-discriminatory policies as outlined in SDG 16, Target 16.b.

3.1 Sanctions Issued

• Qarabag FK:
  • Fined €5,000 (£4,379) for the racist behaviour of its supporters.
  • Ordered to play its next home UEFA competition match behind closed doors, with the punishment suspended for a probationary period of one year.
• Atletico Madrid:
  • Fined €30,000 (£26,275) for monkey gestures, noises, and Nazi salutes by supporters during a Champions League match against Arsenal on October 21.
  • Issued a suspended one-match ban on selling tickets to away fans.

4.0 Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

These incidents of racial discrimination are in direct opposition to the principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

4.1 SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The racist abuse represents a severe form of discrimination that undermines the core objective of SDG 10, particularly Target 10.2, which aims to “empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of… race, ethnicity, origin… or other status.” Such actions create exclusionary environments and perpetuate systemic inequalities within society and sport.

4.2 SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Racism is a direct threat to peaceful and inclusive societies (SDG 16). The response by UEFA demonstrates the role of strong institutions in upholding justice and enforcing non-discriminatory laws and policies. However, the recurring nature of these incidents calls for a continuous evaluation of the effectiveness of sanctions in achieving long-term deterrence and promoting a culture of peace and tolerance.

4.3 SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) & SDG 4 (Quality Education)

• The targeted abuse has a detrimental impact on the mental and emotional well-being of young athletes, conflicting with the aims of SDG 3.
• The occurrence of such behaviour at a youth sporting event underscores a critical gap in education. It highlights the need for reinforced educational programs (SDG 4) that promote diversity, anti-racism, and mutual respect among fans and players from a young age.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article directly addresses racial inequality and discrimination. The core issue is the racist abuse, including “monkey gestures,” directed at a football player by supporters. This act of discrimination is a clear manifestation of the inequalities that SDG 10 aims to eliminate. The goal seeks to empower and promote the social inclusion of all, irrespective of race or ethnicity, which is being violated in the incidents described.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • This goal is relevant because the article discusses the response of institutions to an injustice. Uefa, as a governing body, acts as an institution responsible for upholding justice and enforcing rules. By investigating the incidents and imposing fines and sanctions on the clubs (Qarabag and Atletico Madrid), Uefa is working to promote non-discriminatory policies and ensure accountability, which are key components of strong and just institutions. The article highlights the process of reporting the incident and the subsequent disciplinary action, which relates to ensuring access to justice for the victims of the abuse.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Under SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities):
   • Target 10.2: “By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.” The racist abuse described is a direct act of social exclusion based on race. The response from the Chelsea players and staff in reporting the incident is an attempt to counter this exclusion and stand for the inclusion of all players in the sport.
   • Target 10.3: “Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard.” The article focuses on the discriminatory practice of racist chanting and gestures in football. The actions taken by Uefa are a direct attempt to eliminate such practices and ensure that players can participate with equal opportunity, free from discrimination.
2. Under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions):
   • Target 16.b: “Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.” Uefa’s regulations against racism serve as the “non-discriminatory policies” in this context. The article provides clear examples of their “enforcement” through the fines (€5,000 and €30,000) and bans (suspended closed-door match and away ticket ban) issued to the clubs whose supporters engaged in racist behavior. This demonstrates the mechanism for holding institutions accountable for discrimination.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators for SDG 10 Targets:
   • Number of reported incidents of racial discrimination: The article explicitly details two separate incidents of racist abuse: one in a Uefa Youth League match involving Qarabag supporters and another in a Champions League match involving Atletico Madrid supporters. The reporting of these events serves as a data point for this indicator.
   • Existence of formal reporting mechanisms for discrimination: The article implies the existence of such mechanisms. It states that Chelsea “raised the matter with Uefa” and that the players and staff responded “in line with Uefa protocols.” This shows that a formal process for reporting discrimination is in place and being used.
2. Indicators for SDG 16 Target:
   • Number and type of sanctions issued for discriminatory acts: The article provides specific, quantifiable data for this indicator. It mentions that Qarabag was fined €5,000 and given a suspended one-match stadium ban, while Atletico Madrid was fined €30,000 and given a suspended away ticket ban. These concrete penalties are direct measures of the enforcement of non-discriminatory policies.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Summary

Source: bbc.com