Police and Watford FC stand up to sexism in football

Dear Resident

A female season ticket holder shared her lived experience as part of an evening event at Watford FC to raise awareness of sexism in the football world.

The club opened the doors to its stadium in Vicarage Road for an invitation-only event for community advisors and sporting partners earlier this month.

More than 35 people gathered in the club’s iconic players’ lounge and listened to key speakers, including the female Watford supporter who was the target of misogynistic abuse while travelling home on the train following an away game.

After she recorded footage of the incident and shared it online, the issue of sexism in football was widely debated on media platforms such as talkSPORT radio, highlighting an urgent need for change.

Watford’s event is one of several happening in the county during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which focuses on challenging discriminatory attitudes and improving safety for women and girls across the globe.

It also supports the priorities set by dedicated football officers (DFOs) and complements the Her Game Too campaign, which has been adopted by sports clubs across the country.

Read more: Police and Watford FC stand up to sexism in football | Hertfordshire Constabulary