As the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 approaches, concerns surrounding social media abuse aimed at female footballers are once again in the spotlight. Lionesses stars are increasingly vocal about the damaging effects of online hate, highlighting the urgent need for greater protection and accountability.
The issue of social media abuse in women's football is not new. Numerous studies have revealed the prevalence of sexism, misogyny, and sexualized language directed at female athletes on various platforms. A study analyzing comments on official TikTok accounts of prominent football clubs found disturbing levels of gender-based violence, with common themes including belittling players' skills, expressing hatred towards women, reducing them to sex objects, and demanding male-only spaces. This online toxicity stands in stark contrast to the values of inclusion and diversity promoted by football clubs.
England players have previously taken measures to shield themselves from online negativity. During the 2023 Women's World Cup, the Lionesses imposed a social media blackout to prevent distractions and protect themselves from abuse. A report revealed that a staggering 92% of the Lionesses team had received targeted hate speech on social media platforms leading up to and during the previous Euros, with 96% of it being misogynistic.
The rise of women's football has unfortunately been accompanied by a surge in online abuse. Female athletes are disproportionately targeted compared to their male counterparts. Analysis of social media commentary reveals that female athletes face significantly more negative and sexist comments than male athletes. This creates a hostile online environment that can have a detrimental impact on their mental health and overall well-being.
Lionesses legend Jill Scott has spoken out about the horrific social media abuse she has endured as a pundit. She revealed receiving cynical and sexist messages questioning her qualifications to commentate on men's sports, despite her impressive achievements in football, including winning the Euros. She noted that Twitter is usually the platform where she receives a lot of negativity and tries to stay off it. Similarly, Alessia Russo has acknowledged how damaging social media comments can be. Her statement came after tennis player Katie Boulter revealed the extent of the abuse she had received.
UEFA has taken steps to address the issue, launching a monitoring portal to identify and remove abusive posts on social media platforms. During the group stage of the Women's Euros, UEFA reported hundreds of abusive posts to social media companies, with England being among the most targeted teams. While some progress has been made in removing harmful content, the challenge remains significant.
Moving forward, a multi-faceted approach is needed to combat social media abuse in women's football. Social media platforms must strengthen their moderation policies and take swift action against users who violate those policies. Football clubs need to actively monitor their official accounts and create a more respectful and inclusive online culture for their fans and players. Educational initiatives are crucial to raise awareness about online abuse and promote responsible online behavior. Moreover, continued support for the players is necessary.
