Female Football Fans Speak Out Against Misogyny in Sports

Chloe Watts, a passionate female football supporter, has encountered harassment simply for her love of the game. "I've had comments made to me online and in person about how I don't belong in football, how I don't belong here and how I need to get back in the kitchen," she shared. Growing up in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, attending Bristol Rovers matches with her father, Watts has always felt a deep connection to football. However, her experiences at games have not always been welcoming, prompting her to take on the role of an ambassador for Her Game Too, a campaign dedicated to combating sexism in sports.

Founded in May 2021, Her Game Too began with a focus on football but has since expanded its reach to include other sports like cricket, rugby, and ice hockey. Watts recounted a disturbing incident where she was inappropriately touched at a cricket match, emphasizing that "there's still some stigma to get rid of." A statistic that resonates with her is that 58% of female sports fans report experiencing sexism in pubs or stadiums, according to a survey conducted by Her Game Too.

In response to the pervasive sexism in sports, certain pubs have become designated as Her Game Too venues, providing safe spaces for women to enjoy matches. These establishments, such as The Abbey in Gloucester and The Miller in Cheltenham, train their staff to recognize sexism and commit to showcasing more women's sports. "We've seen a massive increase in women and girls getting involved in football from the successes of the Lionesses," Watts noted, highlighting the impact of increased visibility for women's sports.

Ellie Scrivens, another female football enthusiast from the Forest of Dean, was inspired to follow the game after the passing of her father, an Arsenal supporter. She began playing after witnessing the Lionesses' triumph in the 2022 Euros. Despite her enthusiasm, Scrivens has also faced negativity regarding women's football, often hearing dismissive comments like "it's not the same game" or "they just give away the tickets." Nevertheless, she has found support from her local pub, which makes an effort to air women's matches, demonstrating the importance of community spaces in fostering appreciation for women's sports.

As more women engage with football, the dialogue around women's sports continues to evolve, with hopeful signs that outdated perceptions will eventually change.