Rise in Reports of Sexism in Football Highlights Urgent Need for Cultural Change
Sexism in football continues to rise as a prevalent form of abuse affecting female fans, referees, officials, physiotherapists, and club staff, according to recent reports. This increase in reported incidents is seen by Kick It Out as a positive trend, reflecting a growing willingness to call out such behaviour and drive accountability within the sport.
Notably, Joey Barton was sentenced in Liverpool Crown Court for harmful social media posts targeting Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko, with Aluko’s posts including racially charged content. Additionally, Barnet manager Dean Brennan was charged by the Football Association (FA) with sexist abuse toward a female referee, a charge he denies. Incidents of abuse are also noted in non-league football, where Hemel Hempstead Town was fined and a Coventry Sphinx match was abandoned following abuse of female officials.
Kick It Out launched the "Kick Sexism Out" campaign at the start of the previous season to address this issue. Research from the organisation found that 85% of female fans who experienced sexism in football settings did not report it, primarily due to a belief that no action would be taken. However, this season the number of reported sexism cases has risen sharply, with Kick It Out receiving 86 reports aided by a new partnership with Her Game Too. This figure is nearly four times higher than the same period last year and includes a record 19 reports involving mass chanting.
Over the past three seasons, Kick It Out has recorded unprecedented numbers of sexism reports at professional, grassroots, and online levels. The organisation argues that visible outcomes and growing momentum are key to breaking the cycle of abuse and making lasting cultural change in football.
