Former footballer Joey Barton has been sentenced for harmful social media posts targeting pundits Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko. The case has sparked renewed debate about sexism in football, with campaigners noting a rise in reporting of such incidents.
According to anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out, reports of sexism in football have nearly quadrupled this season compared to the same period last year. The group received 86 reports so far this season, including a record 19 involving mass chanting. However, research commissioned by Kick It Out found that 85% of female fans who experienced sexism never reported it, often feeling nothing would be done.
Kick It Out chief operating officer Hollie Varney said the recent high-profile cases, including Barnet manager Dean Brennan being charged with sexist abuse towards a female referee, send a message that such behaviour will not be tolerated. She noted that increased visibility of positive outcomes could encourage more women to report incidents.
Varney described sexism as one of the fastest-rising forms of abuse in football, with female fans, referees, officials, and players regularly targeted. She highlighted examples of chants and comments reported, including 'Get your tits out for the lads' and 'Get back in the kitchen, you slag.'
The campaigner called for football to address the 'consistent narrative of women being told they don’t belong in football,' urging everyone to play their part in standing up to sexism and misogyny.
