Sporting Fixtures Guide

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Football is a game for all.

But violence against women and girls isn't a game.

Why a fixtures guide?

We wanted to draw attention to issues of violence against women and girls, using a medium that all supporters can engage with to show their allyship.

We wanted to get the attention of people who wouldn’t normally pay attention.

Combatting violence against women and girls is a team effort and we need everyone on board if we’re to make a genuine difference.

STATS

What do the stats say about incidents of violence against women and girls during and following football events?

Sexist and misogynist online abuse has increased towards female players and female supporters. (Kick It Out, 2023)

Reports of sexist mass chanting quadrupled at the end of 2023. (Kick It Out, 2023)

The NSPCC Helpline calls increased by a third following a major football tournament. (NSPCC, 2022)

60%

Almost 60% of people said they experienced sexist abuse in person at a football game or in a pub.

(Her Game Too, 2021)

Inappropriate behaviour

According to recent research from imabi*, 54% of people have witnessed inappropriate behaviour from others in public – with 22% of those saying they’d witnessed it in sporting venues, 40% on public transport, and 60% in pubs/bars/nightclubs.

*OnePoll questioned 2,000 UK-based respondents.

When asked what behaviours made respondents feel the most uncomfortable/intimidated, the top three were:

1. Unwanted physical contact (65%)

2. Invading personal space (64%)

3. Inappropriate comments (56%)

What Can I Do?

  • Everyone has a right to enjoy the games. Are you being a team player or ruining it for someone?

  • Chanting should be fun for everyone, make sure your singing is inclusive.

  • Would your behaviour pass the VAR check?

  • Pull the red card on sexist online comments, call it out and report it.

  • Challenge sexist comments and harassing behaviour when you see it. All it takes is a simple ‘That’s not ok’.

  • Seen something inappropriate? Report it to a member of staff or police.

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