O'Neil: Subconscious Bias In EPL?

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Post on Oct 26, 2024

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O'Neil: Subconscious Bias in the EPL?

It's been a hot topic in the beautiful game lately: subconscious bias. Is it really a thing in the EPL? Is it even a thing at all, or just a convenient scapegoat? We're taking a look at what former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger (the professor, remember him?) and other big names are saying about the issue.

The Argument: It's All in Your Head

Wenger famously said, "It's not easy to get rid of subconscious bias. It's in everyone, in the manager, in the player, in the referee." He wasn't the first, nor the last, to bring up the elephant in the room: we all have biases, and they can influence our decisions. Even the most experienced manager, the most dedicated player, and the most experienced referee is susceptible to this kind of bias. It's a part of being human.

But how does this play out in the EPL?

Imagine this: A referee is making a call on a controversial tackle. The player involved is a big name, someone the referee has seen on TV a thousand times. Unconsciously, the referee may be more inclined to give the benefit of the doubt to the famous player, just because of that familiarity. That's subconscious bias in action.

The Same Goes For Managers:

Think about a young player, coming from a less prestigious club, trying to break into a top team. The manager may be hesitant to give him a chance, even if his talent is obvious. Why? Maybe the manager subconsciously associates the player with his previous club, and has a negative perception of that club.

The Counter-Argument: It's All About Performance

There are those who believe subconscious bias is overblown. They say it's all about performance on the pitch. If you're good enough, you'll get your chance. No matter your background, no matter your name.

This view isn't without merit. The EPL is a meritocracy. The best players get picked, the best managers get hired. But can we completely dismiss the role of subconscious bias?

The Takeaway

We may never know for sure whether subconscious bias truly impacts the EPL. But one thing's certain: it's a topic worth discussing. Whether you believe it's a major issue, or just a minor factor, it's important to be aware of the potential influence of unconscious bias in the game.

In the end, maybe the best way to tackle subconscious bias is through awareness. By acknowledging its existence, both in ourselves and in others, we can be more conscious of its impact. And that, my friends, is a step in the right direction.