https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31750397
Women's Hour
Something that most men deny happens at all is now being forced onto the footballing agenda, and not before time.
In a sport where, on the 122 strong FA Committee, there are only 6 female members, the failure of either the FA or the clubs to tackle the issue of sexual abuse of females in football is the game's shame.
No fan or club has ever been brought to book for offensive chanting in grounds. Indeed, both Manchester clubs, City and United denied that it had even happened in their stadiums until women's groups put together a video which showed it clearly happening at both Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium in Premier League matches and passed it to the BBC. Both clubs have both now released press statements saying that they will "take action". Time will tell, but don't hold your breath.
In my opinion this issue must be forced onto the sporting agenda in Britain and clubs should face prosecution if they fail in their duty of care to women to work safely and free of abuse in their workplace. Such women as match officials, physios, other medical staff and stewards are the ones who most often come in for abuse but female fans also suffer abuse and we must increase the number of complaints to the stewards and even the police and MAKE the clubs take action.
This is NOT "a bit of banter". It isn't "harmless fun" and it most certainly isn't "a laugh". Football stadiums aren't men only playgrounds any more and the male culture of sexual abuse is not acceptable.
Football must put its own house in order and if it won't do it voluntarily, it will have to be made to.
Mar 05, 2015 @ 18:31:56
Moderator
