Increases in racism and homophobia in football last year, survey finds

"Shocking" increases in racist and homophobic abuse in football last season, anti-discrimination organisation reveals.

This is despite several matches being closed off from the public or postponed entirely because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Kick It Out received over 400 reports of abuse between 2019-20, which was a 42% increase from the season before.

Racist abuse increased by 53% in the same period, and abuse based on sexual orientation rose by 95% compared to last season.

Data revealed by Kick It Out did show declines of abuse surrounding religion and gender.

Another poll conducted by Kick It Out surveyed over 1,000 football fans, 3 out of ten had witnessed or heard racist abuse or chants at a match last year, and 32% had heard homophobic comments made at a game. The poll also found that 71% of respondents had seen racism directed at footballers on social media.

Sanjay Bhandari, the chair of Kick It Out, said in a press release that events such as COVID-19 and the tragic death of George Floyd had increased the amount that football was cooperating with the community. However, he added that "beneath the surface, hate and division in society remains a lurking pernicious threat".

He also stated that better regulations from police and government should be enforced for abuse displayed on social media.

He said: "We need to work together across society to win this battle. With the pause of the football season earlier this year due to Covid-19, we have seen people using social media to deliver hate messages, especially when they cannot attend games. Football and social media can be a positive force abut in order to tackle online hate, everyone needs to do more."