WSL Football commitment to tackling racism.
October marks Black History Month in the UK and for the Barclays Women's Super League, Barclays Women's Super League 2 and Subway Women’s League Cup matches that take place this month, clubs are invited to take the knee as a symbol of solidarity against racism and discrimination.
We acknowledge that not all players may choose to take the knee over these games which follows the approach the Lionesses took in the summer. We have always been player led, and we support each individual choice in how they mark the occasion in a way that feels right for them.
Women’s football is for everyone. We are committed to a game where discrimination and abuse have no place. Players, fans, coaches and officials should feel safe at games and in club environments.
Sadly, recent incidents where players have suffered vile racist abuse have shown there is still work to do.
Abuse will not be tolerated, and we are taking proactive measures to protect players both on and off the pitch in the women’s game.
We have held productive discussions directly with social media companies to explore how to stop racist abuse directed at players reaching them via their social media accounts and ensuring offenders are identified and held accountable.
In stadiums, we ask fans to stand together and unite against hate and together with our colleagues at Kick it Out and the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), we urge anyone who witnesses discriminatory behaviour at a BWSL or BWSL2 match to report it.
Many clubs have their own reporting channels and if you witness discriminatory behaviour at a game, report it to the nearest steward or club official if you feel comfortable in the moment doing it.
In addition, you can report an incident to Kick it Out via:
Website – www.kickitout.org
Social – X, Instagram, Facebook
Kick it Out App
Once Kick It Out receives the report, information is gathered and it will be passed on to relevant clubs and authorities for investigation before any further action is taken. This can include prosecutions, fines, bans and education.
The message is clear, the women’s game must be a place free from discrimination and for anyone not willing to sign up to that, you are not welcome here.
We stand with every player past and present who has suffered racial abuse and we are committed to working together with our partners to make football a safe environment for all.
