LONDON — Reports of discrimination in UK football rose during the 2024–25 season, with sexism, transphobia, and faith-related abuse showing significant increases, according to anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out.
In a statement yesterday, the organisation said it received 1,398 complaints of discriminatory behaviour—up from 1,332 the previous season.
These incidents were flagged by individuals who either experienced or witnessed abuse at professional matches, non-league and grassroots fixtures, or online.
Kick It Out said it does not identify the perpetrators in these reports.
The most dramatic spike came in incidents of sexism and misogyny, which rose by 67%. Faith-based abuse also saw a marked increase.
While reports of homophobia declined slightly, transphobic incidents doubled, highlighting what the charity described as a growing concern across all tiers of the game and on social media platforms.
In the professional ranks, the number of racist incidents climbed from 223 to 245, despite a broader decrease in race-related abuse across all levels.
“These figures reveal how deeply discrimination continues to run through football,” said Kick It Out chief executive Samuel Okafor. “The worrying rise in abuse within youth football should serve as an alarm bell.”
Okafor added that the response from fans this season shows a shift in attitudes: “We’re seeing more people calling out sexism, not just online but inside stadiums, and insisting that football treat it with the same seriousness as any other form of hate.”
“Supporters are stepping up by reporting abuse,” he said. “It’s now up to football bodies, tech firms, and the government to prove they’re paying attention—and ready to act.” — August 6, 2025