Football is one of the most popular sports in the world. It has millions of fans who follow their favourite teams with enthusiasm and passion. However, despite the growing diversity and inclusivity in the sport, there is still a significant lack of black and ethnic women match-going football fans. This lack of representation is due to a combination of sexism and racism that has persisted in football culture.
Primary research conducted among black and ethnic women with interviews specifically who are football fans revealed that many feel excluded and marginalised within football culture. They often feel like they do not belong and that they are not welcome at football matches. This is due to the sexism and racism that is often present in football culture. Many black and ethnic women report experiencing microaggressions, such as being questioned about their knowledge of sport as well as constant doubting of their affinity to the club they are supporting.
Secondary research confirms the experiences of these women. Data from the Her Game Too organisation was published in an article from The Independent found that 91.9% of women said they had seen online abuse being directed at other women, while 63.1% said they had been abused themselves.
Additionally, a report by the Women in Football organisation found that black and ethnic minority women face significant barriers to accessing and participating in
football. The report revealed that these women face discrimination and bias at all levels of football, including in coaching, governance, and media coverage.
The report also found that there is a lack of representation of black and ethnic minority women in leadership positions in football organisations such as operating officers, sporting directors, financial analysts, etc.
The lack of representation of black and ethnic women in football is a symptom of a larger problem of sexism and racism in the sport. Football culture is often characterised by hyper-masculinity and misogyny. This culture has been popularised with the creation of football hooligan films like Green Street and The Football Factory.
This culture can create a hostile environment for women, especially black and ethnic women. Additionally, football has a long history of racism, from racist chants and slurs from fans to discrimination against black and ethnic players on the field.
The lack of representation of black and ethnic women in football is not just an issue of diversity and inclusivity. It also has real-world consequences for the sport. Football is a business, and the lack of representation of black women fans means that football clubs are missing out on a significant potential market. This lack of diversity also means that football clubs are missing out on the perspectives and experiences of black and ethnic women, which could help to improve the sport and make it more inclusive.
So, what can be done to address the lack of representation of black and ethnic women in football? Firstly, football organisations need to take active steps to address sexism and racism within the sport. This means implementing policies to address discrimination and bias, providing training for staff and volunteers, and actively recruiting and promoting women and black and ethnic minority individuals to leadership positions. Organisations like Her Game Too, Football Supporters Association (FSA) and The Football Association have been pushing an inclusive intuitive in the last few years.
Secondly, football clubs need to make a concerted effort to reach out to and engage with black and ethnic women as fans and substantial stakeholders. This could involve targeted marketing campaigns, hosting events and initiatives specifically for black women fans, and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment at matches.
Finally, fans themselves need to take responsibility for creating an inclusive and welcoming environment at football matches. This means challenging sexist and racist behaviour and language from other fans, and actively welcoming and supporting women in the stands, on the pitch and most importantly, society.
In conclusion, the lack of representation of black and ethnic women match-going football fans is a complex issue that is rooted in the sexism and racism that is present in football culture. Football organizations, clubs, and fans all have a responsibility to address this issue and create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for black women fans. By doing so, we can help to make football a sport that truly represents and reflects the diversity of its fans and most importantly it's global community.
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