Euro 2012 is Poland’s chance to leave racism behind | Remi Adekoya
Poland has become more progressive in recent years but more needs to be done – and this summer the world will be watchingAs European nations gear up for Euro 2012, the spotlight is turning to one of the host nations and its attitudes to foreigners. E...
Chelsea v Bayern Munich: football isn’t immune to national economic fortunes | Stefan Szymanski
If the era of Spanish clubs' profligacy draws to a close, Barça and Real will struggle to find decent competition at homeIt's human nature to see a morality play in the jumble of daily events: as the Spanish economy is tumbling from one crisis to the ...
So Amanda, why did you watch that vile tape? | Barbara Ellen
The treatment of Tulisa over the 'sex tape' was cruel and unthinkingIt feels strange to be angry and disappointed in Amanda Holden. It feels like being let down by the little girl chalking on the blackboard on the old-fashioned test card. It feels like...
Is British football scared of brains?
British football inspires plenty of wit and intelligent debate – but it has a long tradition of suspicion towards the cerebralAndrew Anthony, Observer writer and Spurs fan First a few throat clearing clarifications. There are of course intelligent fo...
Let’s not judge Roy Hodgson’s manner of speaking | Michael Rosen
The way the new England manager says his 'r's is neither here nor there. 'Correct' pronunciation is tied up with prejudiceI am genuinely amazed that there are people who think that there is something wrong or irritating about new England manager Roy Ho...
Russia Today’s vile rape apologia for Ched Evans reflects the country’s attitude | Miriam Elder
That a vile rant defending rape is masquerading as journalism is sadly no surprise, given Russia's record on women's rightsWhen Sheffield United footballer Ched Evans was sentenced to five years in jail last month for raping a 19-year-old woman, the ba...
In praise of … Roy Hodgson | Editorial
He is a multilingual, has coached in seven countries and has a better career average of wins than Harry Redknapp'sThe reaction to the surprise news that Roy Hodgson is a chat away from being named as England football manager was depressingly negative i...
The Ched Evans case shows football’s misogyny is alive and kicking | Julie Bindel
Football's refusal to challenge players' and supporters' sexism is in contrast to its successful campaign against racismOutside Leeds United's football stadium in the late 1970s, badges were sold with the slogan, "Leeds United – More feared than the ...
Sometimes we really are in it together. So enjoy | Observer editorial
Our social bonds can be cemented by everything from football to politics and we loosen them at our perilAs every Mancunian football fan will tell you, tomorrow evening sees the most hotly awaited derby in Premier League history when Manchester City and...
Success for Chelsea and Manchester City comes at a high price | Dave Boyle