As the excitement of Euro 2024 grips millions across Germany’s fan zones, a crucial issue remains in the shadows: the safety of female football fans. Amid the vibrant spectacle and intense competition, women attending high-profile men’s tournaments like the Euros often find themselves navigating a landscape fraught with hostility and abuse.
Historically, media coverage of football disturbances tends to focus on crowd violence and hooliganism, yet the experiences of female fans are frequently overlooked. The aftermath of Euro 2020’s final highlighted not only scenes of chaos but also instances of sexism, including sexist chants, sexual harassment, and assaults against female spectators.
The Netflix documentary “The Final: Attack on Wembley” chronicled the turmoil at England’s national stadium, yet it failed to delve into the impact on female fans, stewards, and police officers. Instead, the spotlight remained fixed on issues like ticketless fans and substance abuse.
Dr. Sarah Thompson, author of “The Feminisation of Sports Fandom,” underscores this oversight, noting that while more women engage in football fandom than ever before, the culture has not become more inclusive or safe for them.
Recent research reveals alarming statistics: a survey of nearly 2,000 male football fans unveiled pervasive misogynistic attitudes within football fandom. These attitudes range from overt displays of sexism to more subtle forms, complicating the experience for female fans who often face challenges proving their authenticity as supporters.
Reports from Kick It Out, football’s anti-discrimination organisation, indicate a disturbing trend—a 400% rise in reports of sexism and misogyny across professional and grassroots football and social media platforms. Such hostility reinforces the perception that football remains a male-dominated arena resistant to female presence.
Challenges Faced by Female Fans
For many women, attending men’s football matches, particularly international tournaments, is fraught with concerns about personal safety. Issues extend beyond the stadium gates to encompass public transport, pubs, and fan zones, where incidents of harassment and violence are reported with alarming frequency.
Comparatively, women’s football matches and tournaments are often viewed as providing a safer environment, free from the aggression and volatility associated with men’s football. The contrast underscores broader cultural challenges within the sport, where male-dominated norms perpetuate an intimidating atmosphere for female fans.
Calls for Safer Spaces and Reporting Mechanisms
Recognising the urgent need for change, initiatives such as UEFA’s reporting channels and the SaferSpaces app by Football Supporters Europe aim to provide assistance to those facing harassment or discrimination. These measures offer critical support but highlight the ongoing need for a unified approach across all football stadiums in the UK.
Dr. Thompson’s report, “Women and Football Fandom,” proposes the establishment of a national hotline to report incidents of sexism and misogyny uniformly across stadiums. Such a mechanism would enhance confidence among female fans that complaints will be addressed promptly and effectively by trained stewards and club officials.
Political and Societal Imperatives
Recent calls from the House of Commons’ Safety at Major Sporting Events report echo these sentiments, advocating for centralised systems to combat discrimination and antisocial behaviour in sports settings. The proposed Football Governance Bill, delayed due to elections, is poised to take on these challenges under the new Labour government.
Addressing sexism and misogyny in football demands a collaborative effort involving academia, law enforcement, football authorities, clubs, and advocacy organisations. The goal is not only to safeguard female fans but also to foster a more inclusive and respectful football culture that benefits society at large.
In conclusion, the safety and inclusion of women at major football tournaments like Euro 2024 must be prioritised through comprehensive policy reforms and cultural shifts within football fandom. By addressing these issues head-on, we can ensure that all fans, regardless of gender, can enjoy the beautiful game without fear of harassment or abuse.
This ongoing dialogue and commitment to change are essential steps towards a more equitable future for football and its diverse fanbase.
