Examining the Surge of Sexism in Men’s Football

In recent years, the conversation around sexism in football has gained significant traction, highlighting the alarming experiences women face in what many consider to be a male-dominated arena. Angela, a devoted 72-year-old Liverpool fan, reveals the harsh reality she encounters: “Shut up. What do you know about football? You should be in the kitchen getting your husband’s tea.” Such sentiments are not isolated incidents; they reflect a growing pattern of misogyny within the sport.

Key Highlights

• Kick It Out reported a staggering 131 incidents of sexism at football matches this season.
• Many women are now opting to avoid men’s matches due to safety concerns.
• Online abuse continues to plague female fans, exacerbating the issue.
• Efforts to combat sexism are underway, but challenges remain.

According to Kick It Out, there has been a notable increase in reported sexist incidents this season—more than double compared to the same timeframe last year. This worrying trend has led many female fans to reconsider attending men’s matches; one unnamed supporter expressed her concerns about taking her daughter to games, stating, “I wouldn’t feel safe and I certainly wouldn’t want to expose my daughter to sexism.” The sentiment is echoed by others who feel that the atmosphere at these matches remains hostile to women.

Photographer Zoe Hitchen, who documented men’s football between 2008 and 2010, shared her experiences of being targeted with sexist chants and inappropriate behavior. “It felt like if you want to go to the men’s game, you have to grin and bear it,” she remarked, underscoring the pervasive nature of the problem. Even security personnel have frequently turned a blind eye to the misconduct, leaving women feeling vulnerable and unsupported.

Moreover, the online space has become a breeding ground for abuse. Simran Atwal, a Derby County fan and volunteer at Her Game Too, a campaign dedicated to addressing sexism in sport, highlighted the sexualized comments directed at her social media posts. “In the online space, this is definitely the norm,” she said, revealing how widespread and damaging such abuse can be.

Even as some clubs take steps to address the issue—like Gillingham, which recently banned supporters for misogynistic chanting—many believe there is still a long way to go. Police are also stepping up efforts to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG) in and around football matches. Ch Supt Colette Rose of Greater Manchester Police emphasized the need for men to recognize their role in changing attitudes that perpetuate this behavior. “If we can work with males around behaviors that may make women feel unsafe or intimidated, that will have an impact on wider society,” she said.

As the dialogue surrounding sexism in football continues, it’s crucial for clubs, authorities, and fans to engage in meaningful conversations and advocate for change. Women like Angela hope for a future where they can enjoy matches without fear of harassment, stating, “Wouldn’t it be lovely for in 10-20-30 years’ time, some women to sit down and say, ‘I cannot believe what people used to go through at football matches’?” Such aspirations are not just dreams; they could become reality if the community unites to challenge sexism at every level.

FAQ

• What is the current trend regarding sexism in football?
  Reports indicate a significant increase in incidents of sexism at matches, with over 131 cases reported this season alone.
• How do female fans respond to the current environment at men’s matches?
  Many female fans are choosing not to attend men’s matches due to concerns for their safety and the prevalence of misogyny.
• What initiatives are being taken to combat sexism in football?
  Campaigns like Her Game Too are working to raise awareness, while some clubs implement bans for misogynistic behavior.
• What role do police play in addressing sexism in football?
  Police are actively working to raise awareness of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) at matches and to protect vulnerable individuals.

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