Kick It Out release what has been described to be a new ‘powerful’ video urging fans to report sexist abuse and chants at matches.
The football equality and inclusion organisation posted a video on social media as part of a broader campaign aimed at tackling sexism and misogyny within football.
This initiative comes in response to research indicating that over half of female and non-binary football fans have experienced sexist behaviour or language at matches.
The campaign seeks to raise awareness about sexism in football, encourage the reporting of such incidents, and challenge sexist behaviours directly. It’s designed to foster an environment where women feel safe and confident in reporting discrimination.
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗻, 𝘀𝗼 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻?
Challenge It. Report It. Kick Sexism Out.
Read more: https://t.co/3iBiegiMet#KickSexismOut | @SkySports | @HerGameToo pic.twitter.com/kTtlP4u5xm
— Kick It Out (@kickitout) September 11, 2024
This video is a complete gut punch.
The chanting at the end is depressingly true to experience.
It does happen, don’t let anybody tell you otherwise – until we’ve brought the change we need. We’ll get there. https://t.co/tYGP9FQd2D pic.twitter.com/OL7hH83Nfx
— Em 🦉💙 (@_owlornothing_) September 11, 2024
KICK IT OUT STATEMENT:
Kick It Out has today launched a campaign to combat sexism and misogyny in football, with new research commissioned by the charity showing that over half (52%) of women fans have experienced sexist behaviour or language on matchdays.
The vast majority (85%) of 1,502 women and non-binary fans surveyed by the anti-discrimination charity also said they had never reported sexist or misogynistic abuse, with many saying it was because they didn’t think it would be taken seriously or make a difference.
Although 77% of women said they felt safe when attending matches, almost one in four said they felt unsafe at games. The research overwhelmingly found that underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, LGBTQ and disabled fans, as well as younger supporters, were more likely to feel unsafe on matchdays and experience sexism in a football setting.
The campaign, supported by Sky Sports, Her Game Too and White Ribbon, will focus on challenging and reporting sexism following a marked increase in reports of sexism and misogyny to Kick It Out over the last two seasons.
The study, which surveyed regular match-going fans, found that 42% had experienced sexist behaviour, including being questioned on their knowledge of the rules, wolf-whistling, and constant badgering or harassment. Worryingly, some fans surveyed also reported experiencing inappropriate touching, physical violence and sexual assault on a matchday.
Six in ten (60%) of women had heard sexist behaviour dismissed as banter.
Furthermore, almost half (48%) of women had witnessed or experienced sexist language in a football setting, such as in the stands, on public transport on the way to a match, or at a drinking/eating establishment. Of those who had experienced or witnessed sexist language, 53% had been told they should be elsewhere (e.g. “get back in the kitchen), 46% had received lewd requests and 27% had heard sexually aggressive language.
Hollie Varney, Kick It Out’s Chief Operating Officer, shares the results of a survey of over 1500 female football fans which reveals that 52% have experienced sexist abuse within football games. pic.twitter.com/Eha25pvcNh
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 11, 2024
Kick It Out’s campaign aims to raise awareness of sexism and misogyny, challenge sexist behaviour, encourage women to report sexism and call on football to take reports more seriously.
A new video has also been unveiled as part of the campaign outlining some of the behaviours identified in the research and showing how absurd they would seem if a male fan experienced them.
Encouragingly, the research showed that fans have noticed a positive shift in their experience at matchdays over the years, with four in 10 stating that their experience has improved over time, and many found going to football a joyful experience
But four in 10 (43%) also stated that stadiums aren’t providing facilities that would enable a fully inclusive experience for fans, such as access to sanitary facilities, female staff in stadiums and limited or no access to female or relevant size options in the club shop.
The study also underlined the importance of football clubs and authorities acting on reports of sexism with many women saying they would not feel safe calling it out.
Most women who had reported sexism and were satisfied with the outcome said it was because the perpetrator was punished for their actions. Similarly, most women who were unsatisfied with the outcome of reporting sexism said it was because no action was taken, underlining the importance of reporting leading to positive outcomes.
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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.”
Download full report here: Sexism and Misogyny Report 2024
Her Game Too is a movement run by female football fans, dedicated to supporting women affected by sexism in football and increasing female attendance at stadiums. With a rapidly growing network of club-based ambassadors across the UK and overseas, they offer one-to-one support on a club-by-club basis, either in person or over the phone. Their mission is to create a more inclusive and safer environment for women in football. To learn more or get involved, visit www.hergametoo.co.uk and follow them on X and Instagram: @hergametoo
White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls. For more information, please visit the website www.whiteribbon.org.uk
This is how Twitter users reacted as Kick It Out release a ‘powerful’ video urging fans to report sexist abuse and chants at matches…
@booradley76: I’ve experienced this my whole life – not directly at @FulhamFC but amongst male fans in my day to day life, when I’ve been to more games than most of them put together. Isn’t it time we stopped this now?
@anddav72: It’s not just sexism, but also ageism as well – football is for everyone no matter age, colour, creed – no excuses 🩵
@alimullaley: Such a powerful message and absolutely spot on.
@Katiusmatius: Very powerful video. Well done @kickitout 👏🏻 @swfc
@nickwise10: This great @kickitout – Very powerful 👏🏻
@JakeW2311: Very good video this. ♥️ Most impactful thing I’ve seen so far to try and kick sexism out of football. It’s not needed. ⚽
@balovesfooty: Love how it was made to flip the perspective—beautifully done. As someone who has experienced this online and in person (sadly during Toffee Fest at the Chicago Fire match via one of our own gaslighting me) this needs to be taken seriously. Even at club level too.
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