More than half of female football fans experience sexism on match days in England

More than 50% of female football fans have experienced sexism on match days in England, with younger women, ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ supporters particularly affected by a growing problem, according to a new survey.

After commissioning a research study to examine sexism and misogyny in football, the anti-­discrimination charity Kick It Out has launched a campaign to combat these issues. It has urged the sport to ensure women’s complaints are taken seriously.

Given the charity’s research indicated 52% of those surveyed had experienced sexist behaviour or language on match days and 85% of the 1,502 women polled had never reported such abuse on the grounds they did not believe they would be taken seriously, Kick It Out is determined to raise awareness of such discrimination. The majority of those responding had been attending men’s football games.

The survey highlighted a marked increase in sexist behaviour over the past two years. Although 77% of women felt safe at matches, almost one in four reported feeling unsafe. Some were quizzed on their knowledge of the rules, subjected to wolf whistling and persistent badgering or harassment, while others reported inappropriate touching, physical ­violence and sexual assault.

Almost half (48%) of women had heard sexist language either in stadiums, on public transport heading to and from games or nearby pubs, restaurants and cafes. While 53% had been informed they should be elsewhere – eg in the kitchen – 46% had been the recipients of “lewd requests” and 27% sexually aggressive language. Six in 10 had heard such incidents dismissed as banter.

As part of the campaign, Kick It Out has released a video explaining how it feels to be a female fan in such circumstances and emphasising the sheer absurdity of some male attitudes. The charity is also stressing the need for football clubs and authorities to act on reports of sexism. Most women who had reported problems with male fans were left unsatisfied by the outcome as no action was taken, while others revealed they were too scared of potential consequences to take action.

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Hollie Varney, Kick It Out’s chief operating officer, 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 lewd chants at matches, having their opinions questioned simply because of their gender and seeing officials and physios targeted with misogynistic abuse.

“It’s clear from the research that clubs and governing bodies need to do more to build trust with female supporters.”