In Video: Kick it Out report a record amount of discriminatory abuse during 2024/25 season

Record Number of Abuse Reports File to Kick It Out

An alarming rise in discriminatory abuse has been reported in the 2024 football season, with a record 1,398 complaints being made to Kick It Out, an anti-discrimination charity. This figure represents an increase of nearly 5% from the previous season’s total of 1,332, continuing a concerning trend that has seen abuse reports rise steadily since the start of the decade.

Eve of Sexism and Misogyny on the Rise

One of the most disturbing trends identified in the data is the significant spike in sexism and misogyny, with a staggering 67% increase in complaints from 115 to 192. A substantial portion of these reports originated from online settings, with sexist content on social media evolving by a whopping 72%. This alarming trend highlights the need for urgent action to address the impact of online abuse on women and minorities in football.

Racism Remains a Persistent Problem

While overall reports of racism decreased across all levels of the game, the number of incidents in the professional league increased from 223 to 245. This is a concerning trend that suggests racism remains a persistent problem in football, particularly at the higher levels of the sport.

Inadequate Consequences for Online Abusers

Kick It Out’s chief executive, Samuel Okafur, has emphasized the need for online platforms to take responsibility for allowing hate speech and abuse to flourish on their platforms. “Fans are doing their part by speaking up,” he says, “but it’s now up to football authorities, tech companies, and government to show they’re listening and to act.” The charity is pushing for the implementation of the Online Safety Act, which would require social media companies to take more effective action against online abuse.

Online Safety Act: A Key Step Forward

The Online Safety Act has the potential to be a game-changer in addressing the scourge of online abuse. This legislation would give Ofcom the power to regulate social media companies, imposing significant fines for failure to take action against hate speech and abuse on their platforms. For too long, social media companies have been allowed to turn a blind eye to online abuse, and now is the time for governments to hold them accountable.

Demanding Action

As the data shows a clear shift in attitudes towards sexist behavior, with fans demanding action, Kick It Out is urging football authorities, tech companies, and governments to take a strong stance against online abuse. By implementing the Online Safety Act and taking more concerted action against online perpetrators, they can be proactive in creating a more inclusive and respectful environment for fans and players alike.

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