September 11 – Nearly half of female football fans suffer sexist abuse at matches, but most fans have not reported it, a study by anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out has found.
The research showed that of 1,502 women fans surveyed in England and Wales over half have experienced sexism at a game and younger women, ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ fans are significantly more likely to experience sexism.
The study found that 42% had experienced sexist behaviour, wolf-whistling and constant badgering or harassment.
Some fans surveyed also reported experiencing inappropriate touching, physical violence and sexual assault on a matchday. 60% of women had heard sexist behaviour dismissed as banter while almost half 48% of women had witnessed or experienced sexist language at matches.
Hollie Varney, Kick It Out COO, said: “Football needs to step up to ensure sexism is taken seriously and that women feel safe and confident to report discrimination.
“We’ve seen reports of sexism to Kick It Out increase significantly in recent seasons. Reports include women telling us about hearing sexist and lewd chants at matches, having their opinions dismissed or questioned simply because of their gender, and seeing officials and physios targeted with misogynistic abuse.
“As part of this campaign, we want to show male fans how they can challenge sexist behaviour when they see it and ensure women fans know that sexist and misogynistic behaviour is discrimination and can be reported.
“There have been encouraging examples over the past couple of seasons where clubs have taken positive and decisive action to deal with sexist behaviour, such as bans, arrests, and referrals to Kick It Out’s Fan Education team. But it’s clear from the research that clubs and governing bodies need to do more to build trust with women supporters.”
Almost 80% said they felt safe attending matches and four in 10 stated their experiences had been improving over time. However, 85% of those surveyed said they had never reported the abuse because, in their view, it wouldn’t make a difference.
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