Racism is real and it’s like a septic leak that is bad for football, racism is not meant to have a place in the beautiful game of football but it is pointless to play racism in every situation.
Recently the Senegalese players were checked at an airport in The US although the process was unpredictable and strict, it was unusual for top professionals to go throw that so the racial card became louder but on seeing simple search down done to the Belgium team i think the racial line is pointless.
The US has been a strict host even though the first kickoff hasn’t happened and even football icons like Ian wright has criticized it but adding racist claims in cases where it wasn’t is dangerous.
Do you think the same applications to what happened to the Senegalese team and Belgium clears the racial claims about the Senegalese search down?
Don't look for a problem where there isn't one
Here's a detailed analysis of the situation:
"Footage of the Senegal national team undergoing a thorough security check at a U.S. airport did indeed cause a huge stir on social media, but there is no political scandal or bias on the part of U.S. authorities here—the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has officially denied allegations of discrimination.
The heightened scrutiny is due to standard U.S. aviation security protocols and logistical choices made by the Senegalese delegation itself.
Official statement from the Senegalese Federation
After videos went viral online showing Senegalese players being searched with metal detectors right on the runway (rumors of a “drug search” even began circulating in the press), the Senegalese Football Federation issued an official statement.
Expedited procedure (VIP format): The team was flying from Raleigh (North Carolina) to San Antonio (Texas) on a private charter. To avoid having the players stand in lines or pass through the airport’s public terminals and waiting areas, the team bus was allowed to drive directly onto the tarmac to the plane.
TSA (U.S. Transportation Security Administration) rules: Under U.S. law, passengers on any charter flight are required to undergo a security screening (including a handheld metal detector, bag check, and shoe inspection) before boarding. Since they bypassed the terminal, security officers conducted this standard screening right at the boarding ramp on the tarmac.
No complaints: The Senegal national team’s management emphasized that the procedure was conducted correctly, in accordance with regulations, and solely to save the athletes time.
This is standard practice for the 2026 World Cup
Senegal was far from the only team to face strict security checks. Due to unprecedented security measures in the U.S. ahead of the 2026 World Cup, similar complaints and discussions arose regarding other teams:
The Uzbekistan national team was subjected to exactly the same thorough personal search right as they exited the bus at the stadium before a friendly match in New York, including a bag check by K-9 units.
The Iraqi national team also reported strict screening protocols by U.S. authorities.
Even top European national teams have previously undergone similar screenings at the airport (for example, Belgium during spring friendly matches in the U.S.).
The uproar on social media arose mainly because of the “unfamiliar sight” (world soccer stars standing with their hands raised in the middle of an airfield), but for U.S. security services, this is a routine protocol to which all passengers on private flights are subject. "
PS Have you ever seen how, for example, at the Cancun Airport (Mexico), U.S. citizens and their luggage are searched? I’ve seen it happen more than once, and it really does seem humiliating, but… the reason lies in U.S. aviation security requirements.
