Rising Discrimination Marks 2024-25 UK Soccer Season

The 2024-25 UK soccer season saw increasing reports of sexism, transphobia, and faith-based abuse. Kick It Out, an anti-discrimination charity, reported 1,398 instances, up from last season's 1,332. Notable increases in sexism and faith-based abuse, along with a rise in racism, were recorded despite reduced overall racism reports.

The 2024-25 UK soccer season has been marred by a sharp increase in abuse reports, according to the anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out. The organization received 1,398 abuse reports, rising from 1,332 last season.

Reported incidents of sexism surged by 67%, and faith-based abuse also saw a significant hike. Although homophobic abuse slightly decreased, reports of transphobic abuse doubled, reflecting ongoing challenges in both grassroots and professional soccer.

Despite an overall decrease in racism reports across all soccer levels, racist incidents in professional soccer rose from 223 to 245. Kick It Out CEO Samuel Okafor urged football authorities to take serious action, emphasizing a noticeable shift in fan activism demanding equal attention to all forms of hate.

(With inputs from agencies.)