logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2021
23m 50s

Michael Holding: Can sport win its fight...

Bbc World Service
About this episode

HARDtalk’s Stephen Sackur speaks to Michael Holding, the former West Indies cricket great who is now a prominent voice confronting racism. In England, there’s a fierce debate about how best to root out racism, following vile abuse aimed at black footballers. But it’s an issue confronting many sports. Is this a fight sport can win?

Image: Michael Holding (Credit: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

Up next
Jul 7
Steve Hilton: Brit running for California governor
“I'm a proud American. I became a citizen in 2021. I feel at home here both in America and actually, in a way I actually have never felt before. I feel like this is where I'm meant to be, and I couldn't be more honoured that people now are putting their faith in me to turn the st ... Show More
23m 1s
Jul 5
Victor Glover, astronaut: We went into sci-fi
“The last thing to come into view was this blue glow, and we could see craters and the surface of the Moon. But the Sun is on the other side, so what was lighting the Moon? It was ‘Earthshine’, the light of the Earth reflecting off the near side of the Moon. I don’t think our bra ... Show More
23 m
Jul 2
Jackie Jantos, Hinge CEO: Gen Z struggle to connect
Sean Farrington speaks to Jackie Jantos, CEO of popular mobile dating app Hinge, about finding romance in today’s rapidly-changing digital world.Launched back in 2013, US-based Hinge has steadily grown to become one of the world’s biggest mobile dating apps. As of 2025, there wer ... Show More
23 m
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2021
Azeem Rafiq: How can complaints of racism be handled better?
On this week's Stumped, Alison Mitchell, Charu Sharma and Jim Maxwell examine the fallout from the racism scandal which has engulfed Yorkshire County Cricket Club and the sport over the last few weeks. The team speak with John Mehrzad QC, who has been involved in conducting indep ... Show More
33m 50s
Jun 2020
'I felt I had to be twice as good a player' - Black Lives Matter and diversity in cricket
Mark Butcher welcomes Phillip DeFreitas, Mark Alleyne, Ebony Rainford-Brent and Raj Tulsiani to discuss the Black Lives Matter movement, how cricket can become more diverse on the pitch and in the boardroom, and the racist abuse DeFreitas suffered during his England career.<br /> ... Show More
56m 24s
May 2023
Can Vinicius episode be a turning point in football’s racism battle?
Will global outrage at the racial abuse of Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr prompt change?We analyse the week’s events, ask whether football’s anti-racism protocols are strong enough and assess whether this episode can be a line in the sand moment for kicking racism out of football.Hear ... Show More
39m 58s
Jun 2020
Black Lives Matter. So can football do more?
<p>The Times Chief Football Writer Henry Winter joins Nat &amp; Gregor to explore the need for football to lead from the front in the battle against racism across the globe.</p><br><p>More vocal players, fearless protests and stronger sanctions are all up for debate as they ask w ... Show More
41m 26s
Jan 2024
Dealing With Racism In Football, Jota’s Brilliance & Pressure Mounting On Roy Hodgson
How should players, fans and governing bodies deal with the ongoing issues with racism in football? Also, should Diogo Jota be in Liverpool’s starting XI when everyone is fit? Will Crystal Palace stick with Roy Hodgson amid growing unrest amongst their fans? Gary, Alan and Micah ... Show More
50m 19s
Dec 2021
The best of Stumped in 2021
Alison Mitchell brings you the best of Stumped in 2021.The show features an interview with the former West Indies cricketer and commentator Michael Holding on his book which documents the racism he has suffered and seen throughout his life.Plus you can hear a classic Stumped deba ... Show More
33m 56s
Nov 2021
How is cricket fueling South Africa’s race debate?
When South Africa’s cricket team took to the pitch last week, one player was missing.Quinton de Kock refused to play, after the players were told they must ‘take the knee’.Sports teams around the world have adopted the gesture to take a stand against racism.The former captain has ... Show More
16m 26s
Apr 2024
How can you fix racism in Spanish football?
Vinícius Júnior is one of the top footballers in the world but recently he broke down in tears when asked about the racist abuse he’s suffered from fans while playing for Spanish side Real Madrid. It’s sparked a fierce debate about racism in the sport and in Spain itself. The Bra ... Show More
15m 1s
Jun 2023
Cricket's day of reckoning
A long-awaited independent report has painted a sorry picture of deep-rooted discrimination in English cricket and challenged its governing body to adopt recommendations to transform the culture and structure of the game.We hear shocking evidence from the chair of The Independent ... Show More
40m 51s