Global sport has seen a dramatic rise in the past few years in incidents of racism, homophobia, antisemitism and other forms of abuse levelled at players, executives and other representatives of sports clubs. The free rein of the internet and particular social media platforms has allowed such incidents to flourish in recent times – often with impunity – with incidents of online abuse being proven to significantly impact player performances, club and league reputations and, in turn, the commercial side of sport.

As part of the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA)’s Sport Integrity Week, PRO Chairman Shimon Cohen moderated a panel event with Sir Mark Rowley, Director, Quest, and former Assistant Commissioner and National Lead on Counter-Terrorism, Metropolitan Police, Rt. Hon. Richard Caborn, former Minister for Sport, UK, and Senior Advisor, Quest, Jonathan Hirshler, Co-Founder and CEO, Signify, Sanjay Bhandari, Chairman, Kick it Out.

During the session, they explored how AI and machine learning technology can be used alongside real-world policing tactics to target and prevent such forms of abuse in sport, in turn creating an environment which can sustain player performances and maximise the role of sport to act as a force for good.

Watch the panel event here: