In a shocking display of racism on Albanian television, KF Burrel footballer Arnold Kwaku Siaw, a Black athlete, became the target of mockery during a live broadcast on Radio Televizion Shqiptar (RTSH). The incident occurred during the popular sports show “Super Gol”, leaving viewers and the football community in disbelief over the blatant insensitivity, local media reports.
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| Screenshot showing the moment when the participants in the RTSH show laugh |
The incident drew immediate backlash from fans and the sports community alike. KF Burrel, the club Siaë represents, felt compelled to publicly address the humiliation. On its official Instagram page, the club released a statement condemning the behavior:
"In a sports television program, a shameful act of bullying and mockery was directed at our player Siaë, who continues to represent Burrel with professionalism and humility."
The moment of peak insensitivity occurred when Gert Haxhiu made a particularly offensive comment, saying:
"Thank you to RTSH for revealing him at the last moment because he looked like those people who do not want to speak."
Attempting to salvage the situation, host Hygera Sako attributed the visibility issue to a technical fault with RTSH’s LED screens. However, this explanation did little to mitigate the damage, as the remark was widely perceived as openly racist.
The incident also drew strong reactions from the football community. KF Burrel’s coach, Samuel Nikaj, criticized the panelists’ behavior sharply, stating:
"Some lose everything to maintain their dignity. Others gain everything but sell their soul for a seat at the table."
This public rebuke highlights a broader issue in sports media: the need for professionalism, respect, and sensitivity, especially when discussing matters related to race or ethnicity. Mocking a player based on skin color is unacceptable and undermines the integrity of sports journalism.
The episode on “Super Gol” is part of a growing discourse on racism in Albanian sports. While footballers often face criticism for performance on the field, personal attributes such as race should never be a source of ridicule. The Albanian Football Association and media watchdogs have increasingly emphasized the importance of ethical reporting and the protection of athletes from discriminatory behavior.
Arnold Kwaku Siaw, despite the humiliation, has maintained a professional demeanor, continuing to represent KF Burrel with dedication and skill. His response to the incident demonstrates resilience and commitment to his sport, reinforcing the idea that athletes should be judged solely by their performance and sportsmanship.
The club and many supporters have called for stricter regulations against discriminatory behavior on live broadcasts. Social media platforms have also amplified the conversation, with fans expressing outrage over the mockery and urging accountability from RTSH and the program’s producers.
In conclusion, the incident involving Arnold Kwaku Siaw on RTSH’s “Super Gol” serves as a stark reminder that racism in sports media is a pressing issue that demands attention. While technical failures can occur, the casual mockery of a player’s racial identity cannot be excused. KF Burrel’s firm stance and public condemnation exemplify the kind of response needed to foster respect, dignity, and equality in sports.
Moving forward, broadcasters and sports organizations must prioritize ethical standards and ensure that all athletes are treated with respect, regardless of their background. The hope is that incidents like this one will spark meaningful change in Albanian media and encourage broader societal awareness against racial prejudice.