Examining Sexism in Men’s Football: A Call for Change

Angela, a devoted 72-year-old Liverpool supporter, has faced an unfortunate reality during her decades of attending matches: her presence is often questioned simply because she is a woman. This reflects a larger issue in football, where sexism remains rampant. Recent statistics from the anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out reveal a staggering increase, with 131 reports of sexist incidents recorded at matches this season—more than double the number from the same period last year.

Key Highlights

• 131 reports of sexism in football this season, a significant increase.
• Women face harassment both in stadiums and online.
• Experts say casual misogyny contributes to broader gender inequality.
• Initiatives are being launched to combat sexism in football.

One female fan shared her reluctance to take her daughter to men’s matches due to the pervasive misogyny in the sport: “I’ll take her to the women’s game if that doesn’t get ruined, but I won’t be taking her to the men’s game until she’s a lot older. I wouldn’t feel safe and I certainly wouldn’t want to expose my daughter to sexism.” This sentiment resonates with many women who love football but feel marginalized by the culture surrounding it.

Photographer Zoe Hitchen, who documented men’s football from 2008 to 2010, frequently encountered sexist remarks and unwanted advances, even from mascots. “I felt that if you want to go to the men’s game, you have to grin and bear it,” she lamented. Reporting these incidents often led to no action, leaving many women feeling voiceless.

Online abuse compounds the issue. Simran Atwal, a Derby County fan, described how her social media posts invite sexualized comments. “In the online space, this is definitely the norm. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t experienced it,” she stated. Women often find themselves victims of image manipulation, with unauthorized alterations leading to further objectification, a violation that is unfortunately not uncommon.

As we delve deeper into this issue, it’s essential to recognize that sexism in football reflects broader societal problems. During the Manchester derby, Greater Manchester Police partnered with local organizations to raise awareness about Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and to protect vulnerable individuals. This initiative highlights how ingrained misogyny can affect sports culture, emphasizing the need for male fans to actively participate in creating a safer environment for women.

According to Ch Supt Colette Rose from GMP, “VAWG is a societal problem. It leaks into every aspect of our society, including sports and football.” The statistics speak volumes: reported incidents of VAWG at football matches have increased, indicating that more people are beginning to call out unacceptable behavior.

Despite these rising numbers, Rose believes that this does not necessarily reflect a worsening situation but rather an increased willingness to confront such behaviors. Many women still feel hesitant to report incidents due to fear of not being taken seriously. Professor Stacey Pope from Durham University stresses the importance of male fans challenging misogynistic behavior to foster change. “We know that women are experiencing gender violence and abuse—but many of these cases are currently going unreported,” she said.

Some clubs are taking action. Gillingham became the first club in the EFL to ban supporters for misogynistic chanting. Initiatives like this are crucial in changing the culture within football. Kick It Out has also begun campaigns to tackle sexism in the sport, while the Football Association has launched a four-year equality, diversity, and inclusion strategy.

Looking forward, there is hope. Angela, the Liverpool fan, expressed her dreams for the future: “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’?” It’s a vision worth striving for, as the fight against sexism in football continues.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the current state of sexism in football? Reports of sexism have doubled compared to last season, highlighting ongoing issues.
• What actions are being taken to combat sexism? Initiatives include campaigns by Kick It Out and policies by clubs to ban misogynistic behavior.
• How does online abuse relate to sexism in football? Women often face sexualized comments and image manipulation on social media, exacerbating the issue.
• What can male fans do to help? Male fans are encouraged to challenge misogynistic behavior in stadiums and support initiatives promoting safety for women.

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