FvH calls for education as FA review shows another ‘alarming’ rise in reports of homophobia in grassroots football
The Football v Homophobia campaign acknowledges the Football Association’s newly-published Grassroots Disciplinary Review, which shows a near 20% increase in allegations of discrimination relating to sexual orientation.
This alarming data covers matches played at Step 5 and below of the men’s football pyramid and Step 3 and below of the women’s football pyramid in the 2023/24 season.
All offences of misconduct that are aggravated by reference to a protected characteristic are particularly egregious.
FvH also notes that the Review shows more proven charges of homophobia at grassroots level than for any other type of discrimination.
This development is deeply concerning to FvH, which has been operating for 15 years and continues to receive no core funding.
The campaign believes a more targeted approach is required to halt the rise in proven charges of anti-LGBTQ+ language and behaviour at grassroots.
Statistics relating to sexual orientation in 2023/24 Review, compared to the 2022/23 Review:
- 678 serious case allegations, a 19.6% increase (567)
- 398 charges, an 8.4% increase (367)
- 333 proven charges, an 11.7% increase (298)
While the stats suggest people are feeling more confident to report abuse compared to previous seasons, FvH is aware of research that indicates how homophobia, lesbophobia and biphobia are generally under-reported.
The specific metrics relating to sexual orientation in the Review should be a matter of considerable concern to The FA.
Meanwhile, there is no breakdown within the stats on gender-based discrimination pertaining to transphobia. FvH has witnessed a growth in reports of transphobic abuse in recent years.
Furthermore, the campaign is aware of only one county FA – Lincolnshire FA – that has publicly released its own Disciplinary Report for 2023/24.
The Report shows more cases of discrimination in the county relating to sexual orientation than for other categories. FvH welcomes the clarity that this example provides, and believes similar transparency is necessary to effectively combat this issue.
‘Every effort’ should be made
Upon release of the Review, the FA highlighted the introduction of new measures in its strategic plan for ‘A Game Free from Discrimination’ and claimed its ‘Enough is Enough’ initiative is raising awareness of the potential consequences for those against whom charges are proven.
To underpin this, FvH is calling for a greater commitment to education from the governing body, clubs, leagues, county FAs and other organisations around tackling anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination that makes people feel unwelcome and unsafe in football spaces.
By clearly amplifying the ‘Football v Homophobia’ campaign in its annual Month of Action in February, and supporting the campaign’s training programs – which are developed and delivered by experienced practitioners – those with a responsibility to halt the rise in proven charges of anti-gay abuse can take decisive steps.
Grassroots football is the beating heart of England’s national game and by now, clubs and leagues should be becoming more accessible for LGBTQ+ people.
Yet increasingly, there is evidence that the opposite is true, as anti-gay language and behaviours blight this level of the sport.
As a result, FvH expects to see every effort being made by the authorities to promote the campaign’s ‘Football for Everyone’ message and associated resources in February and beyond.
We have today published our Annual Grassroots Disciplinary Review, providing an insight into areas of misconduct during the 2023-24 season.
— The FA (@FA) December 18, 2024
Notes for editors
About Football v Homophobia
Football v Homophobia (FvH) is an international initiative that exists to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression at all levels of football.
We want football to take a clear stand against homophobia and transphobia so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful game and so that football leads the way in removing discrimination and prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Learn more here.
The annual Month of Action for the FvH campaign is held every February in what is also LGBT+ History Month.
Clubs, groups, leagues and organisations are invited to register now for February 2025. See our 2024 list of Champions here and our grassroots section for 2025.
FvH provides education sessions for players from U10s to first team.
For more news and content relating to FvH, as well as our Football v Transphobia initiative, visit our archive.
Contacts
Lou Englefield, FvH campaign director
lou@footballvhomophobia.com
Jon Holmes, FvH media consultant
jon@footballvhomophobia.com