Leeds Beckett researchers awarded funding for major project into online hate and sports events

‘Tackling Online Hate in Football’ or ‘TOHIF’ for short, is one of eleven new research projects that have been announced by the Irish Research Council and the AHRC, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), that will see the UK and Ireland bring together world-leading expertise in the Digital Humanities. TOHIF is a collaboration between Leeds Beckett University, University of Brighton, Sheffield Hallam University, Ulster University and Dublin City University.

TOHIF will explore the potential of digital technologies to transform understanding of online hate. It aims to show how online practices and experiences have the potential to shape and influence our perceptions of matters concerning racism, sexism and sectarianism. It seeks to examine social media as a site for hate speech and cultural gatekeeping in response to major media and cultural events; specifically, the men’s and women’s European Football Championships 2008-2022. Through analysis of online discourses, TOHIF will identify flashpoints and strategies for social media companies, policymakers and campaigners to tackle hate crime, identity politics and communication in a digital age. It will investigate how digital technologies can transform understanding of online hate. The TOHIF team will work with partners to develop educational workshops, policies and specific machine learning procedures in which to identify and combat online hate on social media. 

On hearing the news, Dr Fletcher said “This project could not be more timely. The racism aimed at some of England’s Black players following the men’s exit from the Euros earlier in the Summer only goes to emphasise the need for this innovative and important project. I am incredibly excited to get to work on this with such a fantastic team. As a team we are committed to anti-racism and will work hard to ensure this project has significant impact”.

Dr Kilvington added: “This project has never been more valid and vital as year on year, discrimination directed at athletes, clubs and fans increases. It is paramount that we critically understand this phenomenon if we are to successfully tackle it. I am delighted to join Dr Fletcher and the rest of the team for this exciting, worthwhile, and impactful research project”.