In a recent survey conducted by Kick It Out, an anti-discrimination organization, it has emerged that nearly three-quarters of football fans believe that their fellow supporters are now more concerned about discrimination than they were three decades ago. This revelation comes as part of The Impact Report, a comprehensive study involving nearly 3,000 football fans. This research was released to commemorate Kick It Out’s 30th anniversary, shedding light on the changing landscape of discrimination, diversity, and inclusion in the realm of football.
According to the findings, a majority of fans hold the view that there is a reduction in discrimination within football since Kick It Out’s inception in 1993. Impressively, 73% of respondents believe that football has progressed in becoming a more inclusive sport. Notably, among fans who had previously encountered instances of discrimination, 69% expressed that they now experience less of such behavior, which they attribute to the efforts of Kick It Out.
However, amid these positive shifts, some complexities persist. Around 85% of those surveyed articulated that more concerted measures are necessary to address discrimination against fans within stadiums, while a larger 87% emphasized the urgency of combatting abuse directed at players during matches. These sentiments gain particular significance as the Women’s World Cup advances towards its final stages, amidst instances of right-wing backlash against players such as Megan Rapinoe for her political stances.
Kick It Out trustee Chris Paouros, speaking at an event held at Wembley Stadium, stated that the presence of Kick It Out has undeniably improved the state of football, yet acknowledged the persistent challenges. As a co-founder of Tottenham Hotspur’s LGBTQ+ supporter club Proud Lilywhites, Paouros passionately expressed the need for an end to racial abuse and homophobic chanting within the sport.
Tony Burnett, the Chief Executive of Kick It Out, echoed the sentiment of progress and pointed toward the organization’s future goals. He advocated for transparent systems to track diversity data across various roles in football, emphasizing the need for representation and inclusivity from top tiers to grassroots. He called for committed targets, encompassing areas like diverse managerial roles and increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in leadership positions.
Sanjay Bhandari, Kick It Out’s chair, emphasized that the journey to eliminate discrimination from sports is far from complete. He urged stakeholders across the sports industry to unite in this ongoing battle for inclusivity and fairness. These revelations arrive on the heels of Kick It Out’s disclosure of a staggering 65.1% increase in reports of discriminatory behavior during the 2022/23 football season, reflecting both an alarming prevalence of discrimination and a growing intolerance for such behavior among fans.
In the realm of football, where diversity is both a strength and a challenge, the trajectory is undeniable—progress has been made, but the journey toward an all-encompassing inclusion is far from over. Kick It Out, with its three decades of resolute efforts, stands as a testament to what can be achieved, but the road ahead beckons for a continued, united endeavor for a truly inclusive football culture.