Rise in Reporting of Sexism in Football Signals Growing Accountability
There has been a significant increase in reports of sexism in football this season, reflecting a growing momentum toward accountability and change. According to Kick It Out, an anti-discrimination organisation, the number of sexism reports this season has risen to 86, nearly four times higher than last year. This rise includes incidents across professional, grassroots, and online football in the past three seasons.
Notable recent cases include Joey Barton being sentenced for harmful social media posts directed at Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko, with Aluko particularly targeted by racially charged messages. Additionally, Dean Brennan faces charges from the Football Association for alleged sexist abuse toward a female referee, which he denies. Hemel Hempstead Town was fined and a Coventry Sphinx match was abandoned following abuse toward female officials.
Kick It Out launched its anti-sexism campaign at the start of last season, and this has contributed to increased awareness and reporting. The organisation’s research found that 85% of female fans who experienced sexism did not report it previously, often believing it would not be taken seriously or that nothing would be done. The collaboration with Her Game Too has supported the surge in reporting this season.
Sexism is now one of the fastest-rising forms of abuse in football, impacting female fans, referees, officials, physiotherapists, and club staff. This includes sexist chanting and other discriminatory behaviours. Hollie Varney, Chief Operating Officer of Kick It Out, highlighted that visible outcomes from reporting encourage more women to demand change. Drawing from her experience running a girls' academy in a boys' league, she emphasised the importance of accountability in progressing equality in football.
