Women have progressed in many ways, yet the effort remains unfinished. The struggle against historical bias shows up on the field, in the stands, and within institutions. The incident involving Luis Rubiales and Jenni Hermoso drew sharp attention to consent and power dynamics, reminding everyone that meaningful steps must come first and then accountability must follow.
The central finding of the report Women in Matches, produced by the Football Fans Association, shows that 34% of women report sexist comments on the pitch. The same study notes that 44% have heard the line, For a woman, you know a lot about football, and nearly 63% say they have witnessed or experienced some form of macho behavior at men’s matches. These figures illuminate an ongoing pattern that demands sustained action and clearer standards for conduct.
From plain talk to strong denunciations
The Football Supporters Association, a UK-based group counting about 500,000 members across fans and organizations, shared data during the European Fans’ Congress. That event also featured Spanish counterparts from FASFE, allowing a cross-border comparison that enriches the national picture. The study collects opinions from 2,164 fans across men’s and women’s matches and updates a 2014 report. In 2014, 23% of respondents reported sexist comments; in the current survey, that number has risen, revealing a shift in attitudes and a growing intolerance for sexism among followers.
In 2014, 32% said such attitudes did not bother them, while 15% described themselves as receptive to broader displays of sexism. Back then, 24% admitted to laughing at the comments; the update shows a notable decline in that response. About 10% indicated that gestures undermining women’s status in the stands were part of the matchday experience, with 4% still identifying with that stance today.
“You know too much to be a woman”
The study highlights the most persistent stereotype: the idea that women know too much about football. Forty-four percent of fans condemned this view, with 34% reporting discriminatory comments and 26% putting up with being told they would only attend football because they love the players rather than the sport. Another 24% reported hearing macho chants in the stands they attended, underscoring how deeply gender bias can permeate match experiences.
Rubiales’ fall and five years of debate
Comparisons with the 2014 results show a disappointing rise in sexist incidents, according to the FSA. Beyond verbal insults, about 20% of women report experiencing unwanted physical attention at men’s matches—a figure more than twice that of the 2014 survey, which stood at 8%.
Yet voices like Ally Simcock, a member of the FSA council and a Port Vale supporter, say there is reason for measured optimism. Fans increasingly reject sexist behavior and are less likely to treat it as a joke. Simcock points to the Me Too movement as a turning point, helping shape perceptions of what is tolerable and what is not. The FSA emphasizes one clear message: there is no place for sexism or misogyny in football. Fans are urged to question these behaviors and report them to clubs or authorities. The sport should be safe and welcoming for everyone.
Women’s football as a safer environment
Women at the Match examines other factors shaping perceptions of women in football. For instance, 70% of respondents report attending matches with family members or parents for the first time in a designated area, while couples are identified as the primary introducers in only 5% of cases. The data also reveal that women tend to begin their exposure to football at an older age compared with men—roughly one-third begin before age 16, compared with about half for men.
Despite these differences, respondents consistently see women’s football as entering a different era of empowerment and authenticity. The World Cup example shows a shift toward natural, confident expressions from players, with fewer stigmas attached to their sport. Overall, the results suggest that women’s football often faces less sexist behavior than men’s matches, with a sizable majority—about 75%—reporting no sexist comments or unwanted attention at women’s games.
Let the fans be heard
Women in the Match calls for concrete actions while highlighting the role fans play in driving change. The report urges greater willingness among supporters to report incidents and to demand accountability from clubs and institutions. A sense of trust remains fragile: many fans support clubs taking a firm stand, yet a sizable portion questions whether institutions respond adequately.
Most fans favor self-enforcement: more than half encourage other supporters to challenge and condemn sexist behavior. They back clubs that take initiative, but only a minority trust that clubs will act decisively. When asked what should happen to people who engage in sexist behavior, 57% want security staff to intervene, 47% favor penalties such as expulsion, 39% call for immediate stadium bans, and 22% advocate police involvement. These numbers reflect a broad desire for accountability and a safer environment for everyone who loves the game.
Cited sources in this overview reflect ongoing research from the Football Fans Association and partner organizations, which continue to document progress and gaps in the fight against sexism in football. Attribution: Football Fans Association report on Women in Matches, European Fans’ Congress discussions, and related statements from FASFE and allied groups. These citations emphasize the need for continued vigilance and collective action by fans, clubs, and authorities to ensure football remains inclusive and respectful for all.