The recent study conducted by anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out revealed that close to half of women football fans in England and Wales have experienced sexist or misogynistic abuse at matches. The study surveyed 1,502 people, of whom 7% reported being touched inappropriately, 3% were victims of physical violence, and 2% were sexually assaulted or harassed. Other forms of sexist behavior reported included wolf-whistling, being questioned about their knowledge of the rules, and persistent badgering. Despite these findings, 77% of respondents stated that they felt safe attending matches, with four in 10 indicating that their experiences had been improving over time.
The research also showed that ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and younger people were more likely to feel unsafe and experience sexism in a football setting. However, the majority of those surveyed, 85%, admitted that they had never reported the abuse because they did not believe it would make a difference. Kick It Out representative Hollie Varney emphasized the importance of football taking a more active role in addressing sexism and ensuring that women feel safe and confident to report discrimination. The organization has launched a campaign to educate women fans on reporting sexist abuse as discrimination and to encourage male fans to challenge such behaviors when they witness them.
Reports of sexism in football extend beyond fans’ experiences and include incidents involving high-profile figures in the sport. In 2014, former Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore had to issue an apology after sexist emails he sent to friends were exposed by a female employee. In 2018, the British Football Association faced backlash for sharing a picture of the England women’s soccer team with a caption that was deemed sexist. In Spain, former soccer federation chief Luis Rubiales will stand trial for kissing women’s national team player Jenni Hermoso without consent. These incidents highlight the need for more significant structural change in the women’s game despite progress being made.
The research data also brought attention to the prevalence of sexist language in football, with 53% of respondents witnessing or experiencing women being told they should be “back in the kitchen.” Kick It Out is advocating for increased awareness around sexist abuse as a form of discrimination and is encouraging women fans to report such behavior. The organization is also urging male fans to take a stand against sexism in football and challenge these behaviors within the sport. By raising awareness and promoting active involvement in combating sexism, Kick It Out aims to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all individuals in football settings.
In conclusion, the study conducted by Kick It Out has shed light on the ongoing issue of sexism and misogyny faced by female football fans in England and Wales. While some progress has been made in improving the experiences of women fans at matches, there is still work to be done to address sexism in football. By raising awareness, encouraging reporting, and advocating for a zero-tolerance policy towards sexist abuse, organizations like Kick It Out are taking steps towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all football fans. It is essential for the football community to come together and actively combat sexism to ensure that the sport remains a safe and enjoyable space for everyone, regardless of gender.
