Kick It Out, football’s equality and inclusion organisation, can reveal a rise in discrimination reports for the fifth consecutive season, with a 16.7% increase for the 2016/17 campaign.
The organisation received 469 reports last season, compared to 402 in 2015/16. The reports of discrimination come from across football – including Premier League, English Football League (EFL), Women’s Super League, non-league and grassroots fixtures, as well as football-related discrimination on social media.
Nearly half of the total reports in 2016/17 – 48% – relate to race, with 21% HBT (Homophobic, Biphobic and Transphobic) discrimination and 17% faith related.
Kick It Out is a third-party reporting bureau and liaises with the football authorities and the police to take up cases on behalf of complainants, as well as offering support and guidance to those who have witnessed or suffered discrimination.
Of the 206 professional game reports received by Kick It Out, 56% took place in the Premier League, 34% in the EFL, 9% at non-league (Step 4 or above) and 1% at international fixtures. Professional game reports marked a 53% increase compared to 2015/16.
In another significant rise, reporting through the Kick It Out app, available on Apple and Android devices, increased by 62% in comparison to 2015/16.
Roisin Wood, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Kick It Out’s reporting statistics for the 2016/17 season clearly indicate discrimination is still prevalent within the beautiful game.
“As we head towards the 25th anniversary of the organisation in August 2018, it is a timely reminder that there is still significant work to be done to ensure all participants can feel safe and included in the sport.
“Whilst the statistics show a large proportion of reporting taking place within the professional game, Kick It Out is aware of the vast scale of under-reporting within the grassroots game. This is one of a number of challenges the football authorities must tackle going forward.
“Kick It Out actively encourages all those involved across the game to report any discrimination they witness or suffer.”
To report discrimination across all levels of the English football, download the free Kick It Out reporting app – available on the App Store and Google Play. The app features the option to report anonymously as well as the ability to include video and images to a report.
