Beyond the Pitch: The Fight Against Discrimination in Women’s Football

By Clare Tweed

While the world of football continues to preach its stand against racism and discrimination, it is evident the action behind these words is still lacking. Within women’s football, numerous players have found themselves at the centre of a bombardment of discriminatory attacks. The key recent examples of the toxic environment created are not just from people online, but also from players and pundits.

A notable example in this regard is Chelsea women’s player and England international, Lauren James. James is a 22-year-old who has already achieved incredible awards in her career thus far. James was involved in an incident in the Women’s World Cup 2023, where James received a red card for stepping on Michelle Alozie, Nigerian international. She also received a two-match ban and posted an apology to her Instagram. Before this, James was the standout star of the tournament, receiving huge levels of praise and recognition for her stellar performance. However, this incident undoubtedly overshadowed her performance as she received large volumes of hatred in the media. The abuse for James only got worse following an occurrence between her and Lia Wälti, Arsenal player. James received a yellow card for her foul and faced a bombardment of racist and cruel commentary online.

Chelsea Football Club released a statement saying they do not tolerate the abuse towards James and that they stand with her on this front. But this has not stopped the constant toxic commentary surrounding James. Often the punditry surrounding James refers to her bad attitude and is negative anytime she is involved in a tackle, whether she is in the wrong or not. However, players like Katie McCabe, Arsenal player and Republic of Ireland international, who has a very similar play style to James, if not arguably more aggressive, is often praised for her play. For instance, there was an incident involving McCabe and Man U player, Ella Toone, where McCabe pushed Toone to the ground while McCabe’s teammate, Lia Walti, tried to help her up after McCabe’s tackle. This event was not widely broadcast or criticised in the media. If this involved James, instead of McCabe, it is undoubtable that there would be huge volumes of abuse towards James. This comparison is not to say that the player should receive hate but rather that the evident double standard does exist.

Additionally, a recent example derives from the Women’s FA Cup semi-final where Manchester United and Chelsea played for a space in the Final. Man U were up 2-0 in the final minutes of the first half until James scored a goal to make it 2-1. Numerous Chelsea players and a few Man U players went to retrieve the ball, in order to move play along and to hinder play, respectively. In this tussle James and Man U defender, Millie Turner, along with others, were battling for the ball. Turner grabbed the ball and James tried to get the ball from her and for a split second this resulted in James reaching from behind Turner to do so. However, upon realising she had her arms at her neck James let go instantly.

Turner then began running around with the ball and disobeyed the referee’s orders multiple times to hand her the ball by putting it up her shirt. This unfortunately was not the end of the situation for James as a photo began circling of her and Turner where it appeared she had Turner in a headlock. Anyone who witnessed it live would

know that this was not the case. This did not prevent Turner from publishing this picture to all her social media platforms. While her fellow Man U teammates appeared to laugh and mock the photo, James began receiving more abuse over social media. Turner never clarified the photo, she just removed it and turned off her comments. No apology was ever issued by Turner. James has expressed the draining nature of the constant hatred and racist comments towards her. She stated, “it does take a toll and can be mentally draining”. There are clear signs that the WSL and other football clubs should take action over this to prevent the situation becoming worse for James and others.

United States Women’s national footballer Korbin Albert came under scrutiny after she allegedly shared homophobic content on social media. She was found to be liking homophobic posts and videos on social media. Furthermore, she was found to have liked a post that stated, “God taking time off performing miracles to make sure Megan Rapinoe [her USWNT teammate] sprains her ankle in her final ever game”. This disgusting post incited hatred towards her teammate, Rapinoe, who is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and a member of the community. Albert has since taken to her Instagram to apologise for the reports after she was called out by numerous people, including Megan Rapinoe. Rapinoe condemned the actions of Albert on her Instagram by stating that actions like her can have dangerous consequences to those who see them. This statement was supported by multiple other USWNT members. Albert stated she was “disappointed in myself and am deeply sorry for the hurt that I have caused”. It appears this incident has been resolved, although it does show that there are issues surrounding homophobia within women’s football and there are figures within the sport setting dangerous examples.

There are multiple cases of discrimination within women’s football recently that have created a toxic environment within the sport, especially on social media. This situation needs to be addressed before it becomes worse. For James and Rapinoe they have faced online abuse derived from discrimination and hatred. As women’s football continues to grow, a more positive environment should be promoted.

Edited by Tiffany Murnaghan