I wanted to use this space to share the ways we can be Stronger Together!

Earlier this month LGBTQ+ supporters’ groups from across the UK met for the ‘Stronger Together’ forum hosted by the Football Supporters Association, for a day of networking, learning and discussion.

As part of the day, Kick It Out discussed their data on reported abuse at football matches, and we questioned whether increases in reported abuse are due to more instances, or more people being encouraged to report - I am hopeful it is the latter.

They also shared some of the restorative education work they have done to challenge behaviours, working one on one with individuals who have displayed discriminatory behaviour at matches or online. This work is something I wasn’t aware of, and it is encouraging to me that there are more constructive alternatives than just the usual punitive measures. 

I wanted to use this space to share the ways we can be Stronger Together - everyone can help make matchdays a safer place by reporting hateful and discriminatory incidents. Last year Sheffield United introduced QR reporting codes on the back of seats to report live incidents to the club. You can also report online at sufc.co.uk/fans/reporting or via Kick It Out at report.kickitout.org

Faye Gregory