One in five women suffer unwanted physical attention at football matches, survey finds

One in five women have experienced unwanted physical attention during a men’s football match, according to a Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) survey.

The latest FSA research revealed that 20% of the 2,000 match-goers surveyed said they had experienced unwanted physical attention during a match, double the proportion from its 2014 survey.

Almost 50% of respondents said that witnessing sexist behaviour made them angry, up from one in three previously (29%) previously.

In 2014, 32% of respondents said they were generally not bothered about witnessing sexism at a match, compared with just one in seven (15%) now.

Previously, one in four (24%) women would have laughed of sexism, but this figure is now down to 12%.

The Woman At The Match survey also found that 4% of women were willing to accept sexism as part of the matchday experience – down from 10% in 2014.

Most of the people surveyed (59%) said they would like to see clubs condemn individuals who exhibit sexist behaviours, while 39% of people would like to see sexist individuals ejected from the stadium.

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One in 20 supporters (5%) say witnessing sexist behaviour makes them not want to attend matches.

“It’s heartening to see the change in attitudes over recent years, with fans less likely to be accepting of sexist behaviour, or willing to brush it off or excuse it as banter,” said FSA board member and Port Vale fan Ally Simcock.

“I’ve been going to men’s football for a long time now and have heard my share of sexist comments, but a lot has changed recently. Things like the #MeToo movement have helped change people’s perceptions about what they’re willing to put up with, and what is or isn’t acceptable.

“The FSA is absolutely clear on this – there is no place whatsoever at football for sexist or misogynistic behaviour. We’d encourage all supporters to challenge it, and if necessary, report it to their club or the authorities.”

At women’s football matches, 75% said they have not heard sexist comments or chants or experienced unwanted physical attention.

In response to the survey, the Football Association said it stands “firmly against all forms of discrimination and prejudice and believes that our game is to be enjoyed and participated in by all”.

An FA spokesperson said: “We recently launched A Game For All, our new equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, which outlines our commitment and plans to deliver a game free from discrimination.

“This commitment includes ensuring the increased inclusivity of women, as well as creating safer venues for all, by using innovative tools to deter antisocial behaviour, developing training programmes for employees and stewards, and taking appropriate action against anyone found guilty of abuse within our venues.”

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The Premier League did not comment on the survey but said it is committed to some of the suggested next steps from within it including an introduction of league-wide bans and commencement of enhanced training for stewards.

Speaking after the launch of its enhanced anti-discrimination measures at the start of the season, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: “The Premier League and our clubs condemn all forms of discriminatory and abusive behaviour.

“The commitment from all clubs to enforce League-wide bans demonstrates there is no place for discrimination of any kind in football and we will continue to work together to fight all forms of prejudice.”

An EFL spokesperson said: “With 72 clubs located across the country and over 18 million people through the turnstiles each season, the EFL is continually striving to ensure its matches are welcoming and accessible for all.

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“It is disappointing to see so many female supporters being subject to inappropriate and unacceptable conduct from fellow fans, though as with any insight or feedback we receive, we will consider how it can help improve matchday operations and inform steward training going forward.

“Having launched our Together Against Discrimination matchday campaign at the start of the season, our message is clear: sexism and discriminatory behaviour is not acceptable – those who do not agree are not welcome.”

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