KICK IT OUT RECORDS 1,255 DISCRIMINATION INCIDENTS IN ENGLISH FOOTBALL

Kick It Out recorded 1,255 incidents of discrimination across all levels of English football in the 2025-26 season, up from 960 the previous year. The anti-discrimination body also received 1,744 reports of discrimination for the same period, representing a 25 per cent increase on 2024-25. Samuel Okafor, chief executive of Kick It Out, said racism was "deeply ingrained" in the game but represented "a reflection of wider society". Okafor called for tougher sanctions, stating: "Tougher sanctions are needed, and I believe tougher sanctions will come, hopefully in the next few weeks, where people will face the consequences of their actions."

Racism accounted for 792 cases, a 19 per cent rise year-on-year. Homophobia rose 46 per cent to 203 reports, whilst sexism increased 12 per cent and ableism rose 20 per cent. Antisemitism climbed 43 per cent to 93 reports, and Islamophobia saw an 88 per cent increase to 60 incidents. Umar Ali, a semi-professional footballer for Route One Rovers in Bradford, described being racially abused by opposition spectators during Ramadan last year whilst waiting to enter as a substitute. The spectators, whom Ali described as men in their sixties, made comments about his beard and personal characteristics. Ali said the assistant referee heard the abuse and informed the referee, though he claims the referee took no action; police were eventually contacted and the spectators identified.

The figures underscore ongoing challenges with abuse in English football at all competitive levels. Kick It Out's data suggests discriminatory conduct remains a persistent issue across the sport. The organisation's call for stronger enforcement measures reflects pressure on football's governing bodies to implement more stringent consequences for discriminatory behaviour.