Kick It Out highlights sharp rise in transphobic abuse across UK football
– 1 min read
Kick It Out, which works to stamp out discrimination in football, has raised serious concerns over a dramatic increase in transphobic abuse across UK football during the 2024/25 season, describing the trend as “deeply alarming” and indicative of a growing hostility towards trans individuals within the sport.
The anti-discrimination charity’s latest annual report reveals that transphobic incidents have doubled compared to the previous season. These reports span professional matches, grassroots football, and online platforms, painting a stark picture of the challenges faced by trans people in football environments.
The report also highlights that online platforms remain a major source of abuse, with transphobic content increasingly prevalent in digital spaces. Despite efforts to moderate hate speech, many perpetrators continue to operate with impunity, leaving victims without recourse.
According to Kick It Out, youth matches and community-level games have seen a rise in discriminatory behaviour, with transphobia emerging as a growing concern among coaches, players, and parents. Kick It Out has called for urgent intervention, including better education, stronger safeguarding policies and clearer pathways for reporting abuse.
Samuel Okafor, Kick It Out's CEO, said: “These figures show that discrimination remains deeply embedded across the game, but the rise in abuse in youth football should be a wake-up call. No one should be facing hostility simply for taking part.
“What we’re seeing now is that fans aren’t just reporting abuse, they’re demanding action. There’s been a clear shift this season in how people are calling out sexist behaviour, both online and in stadiums, and asking football to treat it as seriously as any other form of hate.”
“At the same time, it’s clear that online platforms are still falling short. The volume of abuse remains high, and too often, those responsible face no consequences.
“Fans are doing their part by speaking up. It’s now up to football authorities, tech companies and government to show they’re listening, and to act.”
