Verbal abuse in women’s football on the rise — what legal protections are available for players?

With women’s football growing in popularity, female players are sadly facing ever more verbal abuse. While some clubs are making changes to the ways in which fans can interact with players after matches, social media remains a hotbed for abusive comments. 

Here, safeguarding expert Catherine Forshaw outlines the issues being faced by players, the actions clubs are taking and what legal protections are available to help prevent and prosecute abuse.

Millie Bright on verbal abuse

Chelsea captain Millie Bright voiced her disappointment after a fan verbally abused her following the Blues’ 1-0 victory over Aston Villa. The England international shared that the fan — after asking for photos and autographs — insulted her performance during the first half with a string of expletives.

While Bright clarified that the comment itself didn’t bother her, she was upset by the timing. “Anyone can have their opinion, but what was said doesn’t really bother me. It’s more about the fact that it came after they had asked for photos and autographs,” she wrote on Instagram. “Please may I remind you that as players, we are not collectibles, we are not robots; we are humans, just like you.”

An end to post-match autographs?

Earlier this season, Chelsea made the controversial decision to stop post-match autographs and photo sessions at their home ground (Kingsmeadow), citing safety concerns and the need for a more sustainable approach to fan interactions. The move followed consultations with the club's fan advisory board and supporters' groups, who supported the decision.

Other WSL (Women’s Super League) clubs have followed suit. Everton also ceased their post-match signing sessions, citing the risks associated with overcrowded exits and safety concerns. With the rising popularity of the WSL, managing large crowds and the pressure on players to engage with fans after matches has become more challenging.

In response to these growing concerns, clubs like Manchester City have introduced more controlled methods for post-match interactions. For example, City now hold designated autograph sessions, offering wristbands to a select number of fans. This approach ensures that fan engagement is organised and secure, preventing players from becoming overwhelmed.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) — which works closely with WSL clubs — has also introduced additional security measures this season. Local officers — known as ‘football spotters’ — attend matches to help ensure the safety of both players and supporters. As Sergeant Jade Wells from GMP explained, “The women’s game is growing, and with bigger crowds comes an increased risk of offences. We’re putting ‘spotters’ in place to ensure fans feel safe and to protect players, just as we do in the men’s game.”

Online abuse — a growing problem in women’s football

On the same weekend that Millie Bright endured abuse, Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw withdrew from Manchester City's League Cup semi-final against Arsenal after facing racist and misogynistic abuse.

Manchester City expressed their shock and disgust over the treatment that the Jamaican striker received following the team’s 4-3 WSL defeat to Arsenal. Shaw's decision to step back from the match was to safeguard her mental wellbeing. Although Manchester City reportedly shared the abusive content with the relevant authorities — including the Police — it has become apparent that women are now confronting the same challenges that men face in the sport. 

Sadly, the experiences of Bright and Shaw aren’t isolated incidents. During the 2023 World Cup, one in five players reported being targeted by online abuse. FIFA's Social Media Protection Service (SMPS) identified over 7,000 discriminatory, abusive or threatening posts, with more than half of them being homophobic, sexist or sexualised in nature.

Colombian player Leicy Santos voiced her frustration, saying: “If there is one thing that footballers suffer from the most, apart from losing, it is all the abusive comments — the taunts, the insults”. 

In response to both in-person and online abuse, some clubs are taking proactive steps. For example, Arsenal has introduced online safety training for both its men's and women's teams, equipping players with tools and strategies to create a safer online environment.

Football Governance Bill

Following the incidents involving Millie Bright and Khadija Shaw, CEO of anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out — Samuel Okafor — highlighted that the level of abuse in English football across both the men’s and women’s games has “reached crisis point”, with reports of abuse emerging on a weekly basis. Okafor expressed hope that new online safety regulations will help to address this issue in what he sees as “a pivotal year for driving real change across the game”, particularly concerning discrimination and under-representation.

The upcoming Football Governance Bill — which will require clubs to demonstrate their actions on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) — is expected to become law in the next few months. Additionally, The FA will mandate clubs to publish workforce data for the first time this summer.

Legal protections for players

While football waits for these significant changes, players already have legal protections against verbal abuse and harassment. Under the UK’s Protection from Harassment Act 1997, it’s illegal to cause harassment, alarm or distress, which includes verbal abuse at sporting events.

For players experiencing such abuse, documenting incidents is crucial. Keeping records — such as screenshots of social media posts or witness statements — can be essential if the situation escalates and legal action is required. Players should also report these incidents to the relevant authorities, including law enforcement or their sport’s governing body.

Civil remedies (like injunctions) can be sought to prevent further harassment. In more severe cases, criminal charges may be pursued, depending on the nature of the abuse. Clubs also have a duty to protect their players and may take legal action against fans who engage in abusive behaviour by imposing stadium bans or working with authorities.

Talk to us

If you need more advice on the available legal protections to help prevent or prosecute abuse, we’re here to help.

Our accredited, award-winning sports law team contains experts in safeguarding. We work with many elite clubs and players to provide essential legal training.

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