When did we stop seeing those in the limelight – be it athletes, musicians, film stars or anyone else – as human? At what point did it become acceptable for some to feel that they have ownership over aspects of their lives or that they have the right to hurl abuse behind the protection of a screen? And how, in women’s football in particular and women’s sport more generally, can we find the balance between access and providing players with the protection that ensures their safety?
These have been just some of the questions I have been mulling over in the last few weeks, sparked by a litany of events within the women’s game and beyond. Most recently, the stalking incident that Emma Raducanu had to endure at the Dubai Tennis Championships was an eye-opener into some of the things that are going on overtly and in the shadows.
So far this year we have seen the very serious allegations of racial abuse that were aimed at the Manchester City forward Khadija “Bunny” Shaw in the wake of their league defeat to Arsenal. It led to the club releasing a strong statement, an investigation being launched and Shaw herself withdrawing from the following match to protect her mental health.
One only had to look at the reaction online to the verdict in the Sam Kerr trial to see comments laden with latent racism and sexism while the Chelsea captain Millie Bright released a statement on Instagram this month after receiving abuse about her own performance when signing shirts after their game away to Aston Villa. “Please may I remind you that as players we are not collectibles,” she wrote. “We are not robots; we are humans the same as you.”
These are just some examples of the more serious incidents in the game. Abuse of women’s sport stars continues to increase in the online space, fuelled by some high-profile figures who all too willingly abandon the responsibility that comes with their position for clicks and engagement. A report released by Fifa after the 2023 Women’s World Cup revealed that one in five players at the tournament had been targeted “with some form of discriminatory, abusive or threatening content”. Female players were also 29% more likely to be targeted with online abuse when compared with male players at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
For female athletes, in particular, the development of the digital world has provided unique possibilities that are countered by increased exposure to malevolent behaviour. We now have access to athletes like never before, a window into their lives that just did not exist before the emergence of social media.
This insight can be positive in many ways. Players now have an ability to grow their own brands independently. For female athletes, in particular, it provides an opportunity for those who receive less coverage in the mainstream media to make a name for themselves as well as an additional source of income. The Women’s Sport Trust recently published research highlighting the visibility female athletes can garner on digital platforms. Chelsea Women have amassed 167m TikTok views in a year, more than any other dedicated women’s sports team account worldwide. At Paris 2024, 67% of total TikTok views of Team GB athletes competing came from female athletes.
But this window is all too often exploited. It has led to a growing sense of entitlement from a subsection of fans who believe they are owed anything from a player’s time to selfies, shirts, boots and autographs. When it is not forthcoming, some then believe they have the right to complain or abuse. In October 2023, Mary Earps was accused by a father of snubbing his child after a Manchester United match.
This is where the dilemma comes in. How can the women’s game hold on to one of its unique selling points – that relationship between players and fans – while also recognising that the protection of its athletes – online and in public – is of paramount importance. The Raducanu incident, for example, is a warning that what might seem like natural aspects of fandom can spill over into something much more sinister.
Clubs and federations are trying to find the balance. The security surrounding teams is far more visible than it ever has been while programmes such as Fifa’s social media protection service are designed to help navigate the perils of the online world. This becomes even more important given female players are unlikely to have the financial resources available to hire bodyguards or other security experts.
At the end of the day, however, it is also down to all of us as individuals to remember the boundaries. To remind ourselves that behind every athlete remains a human not a commodity whose sole responsibility is to entertain or engage at all times. As Bright said: “We are somebody’s partner and somebody’s daughter. We are not items. Nobody owns us. We own ourselves and that needs to be reminded and told.”
Talking points
Leon departs for NWSL: All eyes have been on international football this last week but there was a surprise in the WSL when it was announced that Adriana Leon is leaving for the NWSL. The 32-year-old Canada international has signed for San Diego Wave for an undisclosed fee from Aston Villa, where she has played since 2023. She made 37 appearances for the club and scored nine goals but has found her game time limited this season.
Longer pub hours in UK for Euros? The government is looking at whether pub licensing hours could be extended during the final stages of this summer’s European Championships. The Home Office is launching a public consultation around the potential of allowing pubs to remain open until 01:00 (extended from 23:00) should England and/or Wales reach the semi-finals and/or final of the tournament.
A new start: A new campaign called ‘Made for this Game’ has been launched by the Football Association, aiming to unlock equal opportunities for all women and girls in football. It replaces the governing body’s previous ‘Let Girls Play’ campaign which the FA report saw a 56% increase in the number of women and girls playing football. Sue Day, the FA’s director of women’s football, said: “We are clear that we cannot rest on our laurels when it comes to driving growth across the women’s and girls’ game.”
Quote of the week
“After all, this will create an important precedent in a social environment in which much remains to be done. My heart is full of each of the people who have been, are and will continue with me in this fight. And now, it’s over” – Jenni Hermoso on the conclusion of the Luis Rubiales trial
Recommended listening
Faye Carruthers is joined by Sophie Downey, Suzy Wrack and Jamie Spangher to talk through the Women’s Nations League openers, plus the Luis Rubiales trial fallout. Listen here.
Recommended viewing
Check out this sublime finish from Momoko Tanikawa as Japan beat Colombia. The 19-year-old found space within a minute at the SheBelieves Cup to fire her side ahead in spectacular fashion.
Still want more?
Here is Sam Jones’s report from Madrid as Luis Rubiales was found guilty of sexually assaulting Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso.
Lucy Bronze praised the Spanish players for speaking out during the trial while our own Suzanne Wrack felt that the verdict was a huge step forward – but that it left a bitter aftertaste.
Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor has revealed a 13-year relationship with assistant Camille Abily.
And Triple M host Marty Sheargold has departed after being condemned for comparing Matildas to ‘year 10 girls’.
