‘Alarming’ rise in reports of homophobia in grassroots football highlighted by FvH campaign
Football v Homophobia issues statement following publication of FA’s Annual Grassroots Disciplinary Review; statistics show ‘alarming’ increase of nearly 20% in allegations of discrimination relating to sexual orientation in 2023/24; FvH’s annual Month of Action will be held in February 2025…
Football v Homophobia is calling for “a greater commitment to education” after a new Football Association review reflected an “alarming” rise in reports of homophobia in the grassroots game.
On Wednesday, the FA published its Annual Grassroots Disciplinary Review for the 2023/24 season which shows a near 20% increase in allegations of discrimination relating to sexual orientation.
The data, which anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination campaign FvH describes as “alarming”, 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.
FvH also notes that the FA’s 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,” reads a statement issued by the campaign.
“A more targeted approach is required to halt the rise in proven charges of anti-LGBTQ+ language and behaviour at grassroots.”
The disciplinary statistics relating to sexual orientation in the 2023/24 Review, compared to the 2022/23 Review, are as follows:
- 678 serious case allegations, a 19.6% increase (567)
- 398 charges, an 8.4% increase (367)
- 333 proven charges, an 11.7% increase (298)
The FvH statement continues: “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.
“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.”
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
Football v Homophobia is an international initiative that exists to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression at all levels of football, including grassroots.
The annual Month of Action for the FvH campaign is held every February in what is also LGBT+ History Month.
The FvH statement on the FA’s Review says the campaign is now 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.”
Read the FvH statement in full here.
Further reading…
Annual Grassroots Disciplinary Review published (TheFA.com, 18 December 2024)
Reports of assaults on grassroots referees rise 32% (BBC Sport, 18 December 2024)
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