New figures from Kick It Out indicate that hostile chants targeting immigrants have become increasingly common at football fixtures across England.
The anti-discrimination organisation received 39 complaints about anti-immigrant chanting last season, exceeding the combined total from the two preceding campaigns. Kick It Out said slogans including “stop the boats” and “send them back” had reportedly been heard throughout the football pyramid, reflecting a wider increase in discriminatory chanting by large groups of supporters.
The rise in anti-immigrant language formed part of a wider increase in discrimination reports from stadiums and digital platforms. During the 2025-26 campaign, Kick It Out recorded 1,744 reports of discriminatory conduct, its highest total to date and 25% more than in the previous season.
Reported cases reached record levels across every category of discrimination. Racism remained the largest category, increasing by 19% from the previous year to 792 cases, equivalent to 45% of all reports. Reports involving sexism climbed 12% to 216, homophobia increased 46% to 203, antisemitism rose 43% to 93, ableism grew 20% to 89, and Islamophobia jumped 88% to 60. Kick It Out stated that each of the six categories had recorded its highest figure in five years.
Abuse reported in grassroots football increased for the fifth year in succession, rising 33% during 2025-26 to a record 248 cases. Meanwhile, the 98 reports concerning abuse directed at match officials equalled the combined figure from the previous three seasons.
Kick It Out chief executive Samuel Okafor said the increase in abusive conduct at matches and online reflected a broader growth in hateful language across British society. However, he welcomed the greater readiness of fans and players to challenge such behaviour.
“The data demonstrates that discrimination continues to be firmly rooted throughout football while hate crime and polarising political language are also increasing across Britain,” he said. “At the same time, more people appear prepared to confront abuse when they encounter it, and it was positive to see professional players leading by example last season.”
One case in March involved a 60-year-old man who received a suspended sentence after sending abusive messages to England Women defender Jess Carter. Carter had spoken publicly about the harassment during the previous year’s European Championship. In men’s football, Antoine Semenyo highlighted the racist abuse aimed at him during the season, while one man accused of racially aggravated conduct is expected to stand trial in September.
Kick It Out’s conclusions are consistent with figures released by the UK Football Policing Unit the previous week. Police officials said improved reporting systems may partly account for the increase, noting that misogynistic abuse became a distinct discrimination category only at the beginning of last season. Both organisations have urged social media companies to take stronger measures against abusive content.
Okafor said: “We will keep collaborating with football’s governing bodies, clubs, competitions, regulators and the government to ensure that the bravery of those reporting abuse is supported by decisive and consistent action, helping make the sport inclusive for all.”
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