Record tally of abuse episodes at football games reported last season, survey shows
The anti-discrimination organisation has published its annual survey, with figures showing there were 1,398 reports of discriminatory behaviour made over the previous 12 months, up from 1,332 the year before.
While the top line has remained roughly static, albeit having more than doubled since the 2021-22 total of 610, the makeup of those complaints has shifted. According to Kick It Out's data, reports of sexism and misogyny rose by 67% on the year before, up from 115 to 192.
Reports of online sexism rose by 72% while reports related to misogyny in youth football doubled. Within stadiums, 18 reports of sexist chanting at matches were recorded, almost equalling the total from the previous four seasons combined.
The uptick in reporting is likely in part down to greater awareness, both of the tools available to combat abuse and of the women's game itself. Kick It Out partnered with Women In Football last year to call for a crackdown on sexist behaviour and for incidents to be incorporated into official police statistics. The rise in popularity in women's football has been dogged by a growth in people criticising its validity, especially on social media.
Ableist abuse also rose substantially last season, increasing by 45% on the year, but there was a small decline in homophobic abuse. Reports of racism also fell overall, though Kick it Out says racism remains 'prevalent' online, and the number of incidents reported in the professional game increased from 223 to 245.
'What we're seeing now is that fans aren't just reporting abuse, they're demanding action,' Samuel Okafor, the chief executive of Kick It Out, said. 'There's been a clear shift this season in how people are calling out sexist behaviour, both online and in stadiums, and asking football to treat it as seriously as any other form of hate.
'At the same time, it's clear that online platforms are still falling short. The volume of abuse remains high, and too often those responsible face no consequences. Fans are doing their part by speaking up. It's now up to football authorities, tech companies and government to show they're listening, and to act.'
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Individuals who experience or witness discrimination at football matches, at whatever level, are encouraged to report the incident. Reports to Kick It Out can be made online, via email or through the organisation's app.
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