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Monkey chants in football are imitations of monkey sounds, often directed at Black players. UEFA identifies them as racist because they dehumanize the player and imply that the player is inferior by comparing them with monkeys. Monkey gestures and banana-related abuse are also recognized forms of racist conduct.
What monkey chants are
A monkey chant is a vocal imitation of monkey sounds used by spectators, sometimes briefly and sometimes for a prolonged period. UEFA describes such chanting as particularly associated with abuse directed at Black or ethnic minority players. It is not harmless crowd noise when used to target a player on that basis.
Related conduct can be nonverbal: UEFA also identifies monkey gestures and showing, throwing or offering bananas to Black players as racist actions. These acts need not accompany a chant to carry the same demeaning message.
Why monkey chants are racist
The racism lies in the comparison, not merely in the fact that the sound is insulting or upsetting. UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body explained that imitating monkey noises is often used to racially abuse players of African origin or generally Black skin colour. It said the act dehumanizes the target and implies inferiority by putting the player “on a level of monkeys.”
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A UEFA disciplinary decision dated 17 April 2024 likewise states that imitating monkey noises or gestures is “a racist practice aimed at dehumanising the target and implying inferiority.” The same decision connects this conduct with banana-related abuse. These official explanations establish the racist function and impact of the acts; they do not establish one universal historical origin for the chant or prove that every person who participates has the same motive.
How football officials can respond
Report what happens
UEFA guidance tells officials who witness racist incidents or gestures to report them to the referee, so relevant details can be passed to disciplinary bodies. Reporting helps put the incident into the disciplinary process.
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Signal abuse during a match
FIFA describes a crossed-arms signal called the “No Racism Gesture.” A player targeted by abuse can use it to alert the referee, captain or a team official. FIFA’s framework also describes pausing, suspending or abandoning matches in cases of racism.
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Sanctions depend on the case
There is no single penalty that applies automatically to every incident. The governing body, competition rules, facts established and disciplinary decision all matter. In one reported UEFA case, monkey chants were heard by an assistant referee during a 2013 under-21 qualifying match. UEFA reported that sections of the home stadium were to be closed for the next home game and that a “No to Racism” banner was required. That outcome is an example from that case, not a universal sanction.
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