Hear from Maria Iuliano, one of our talented UAOA Scholars currently undertaking research into the development and spread of online abuse within Italian football.
As a sports enthusiast and professional within the industry, I have long been concerned by the rise of online abuse in football. My research focuses on Italian football, where studies suggest that over 90% of online hate speech in Italian concerning sports is related to the game (Cuccoli, 2023). High-profile cases, such as the abuse experienced by players like Mario Balotelli, highlight how this issue affects not only athletes on the pitch but also the wider sports community.
Football holds a special place in Italian culture, uniting millions of fans who share the excitement and emotion of the “beautiful game”. However, this passion can sometimes spill over into negativity online: Racist, xenophobic, or sexist comments often appear on social media, particularly following controversial moments or disappointing results (Doidge, 2015; Travaini et al., 2019). Such messages can impact players’ mental health, alienate fans, and reinforce harmful stereotypes. Addressing this issue is not just about protecting athletes, but it is about fostering fairness, inclusivity, and respect within sport.
Through my research at Dublin City University – in collaboration with the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse campaign – I aim to understand how online hate speech develops and spreads within Italian football. I focus on identifying patterns in abusive content, including when it tends to occur, who is most affected, and the forms of language that are commonly used.
One key insight is that online abuse can act like a ripple effect: a single offensive comment may trigger a series of similar messages. Players may face racial abuse after a disappointing match, while sexist or homophobic comments can be used to belittle athletes personally. My research also considers the balance between free expression and harmful speech, helping to identify where clear guidance and education can make a difference.
Although online hate speech in Italian sports remains under-researched, this study seeks to fill that gap by examining patterns of abuse, targets, and language; the main goal is to provide evidence that can inform policies, awareness initiatives, and educational strategies to reduce and mitigate harm in social media platforms. By understanding how online abuse emerges and spreads, we can develop approaches to support players and engage fans more constructively, helping sport remain a space where passion can be shared and expressed without hard feelings.
Online abuse in sports affects players, fans, and the wider community. Considering how it occurs and spreads raises important questions: how can fans be held accountable, and how can free expression be maintained responsibly? Insights from this research can help guide strategies to reduce harm. By paying attention to abusive behaviour, reporting it, and reflecting on its impact, everyone involved in sport can contribute to a safer and more respectful environment.
Get in touch with Maria via LinkedIn or Email.
The United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) Scholarship Programme was created to empower the next generation of researchers in the fight against online abuse in sport. Launched in 2023, funded by the FIA Foundation and delivered at Dublin City University, you can find out more about the programme here.
