Record Reports of Discrimination Highlight Challenges in Football
Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out has reported a staggering 1,744 incidents of discrimination during the 2025/26 season, marking a 25% increase from the previous year. This surge includes a landmark number of recorded incidents, surpassing 1,000 for the first time, with a total reaching 1,255.
Increase Across All Levels of the Game
The uptick in discrimination reports was observed across various segments of football. Both professional and grassroots levels saw significant complaints, with a 41% increase that brought the numbers to 636 and 458, respectively. Online reports also rose by 5%, reaching 650.
Racism Remains Predominant
Racism continues to be the most frequently reported form of discrimination, constituting 792 reports—45% of the total. Reports of sexism, homophobia, anti-Semitism, ableism, and Islamophobia have also reached unprecedented levels since Kick It Out updated its data collection five years ago.
Hateful Language and Abuse on the Rise
Kick It Out noted a 41% increase in reports of hateful group chants. Furthermore, instances of anti-immigrant language have doubled compared to the total from the previous two seasons. Discriminatory abuse directed at match officials has seen a notable rise, with 97 reports matching the cumulative total from the last three seasons, over one-third of which involved sexist remarks aimed at female officials.
Grassroots Youth Football Faces Growing Concerns
In grassroots football, reports of discrimination among under-18 players have risen for the fifth consecutive year, increasing by a third to a record 248 incidents. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for ongoing intervention and education at the youth level.
Commitment to Combat Discrimination
Samuel Okafor, chief executive of Kick It Out, remarked on the troubling findings, emphasizing that discrimination appears to be deeply rooted in the sport. He noted the simultaneous rise in hate crimes and divisive political discourse in the UK. However, he also pointed out a silver lining: a growing willingness among individuals to stand against abuse, aided by the proactive stance taken by professional players in the past season.
Football Authorities Collaborate for Change
A Premier League spokesperson reiterated the league’s zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, encouraging fans and players alike to report any abusive behavior they witness. The league has implemented numerous initiatives, including its matchday observer program and the No Tolerance Racism campaign, to address these issues effectively. With about 15 million fans attending Premier League matches each season, there is a concerted effort to foster an inclusive environment that welcomes diverse audiences.
