The head of Sport England has expressed deep concerns over the recent surge in racist and sexist abuse directed at England's women's football team on social media. In a letter to Ofcom, the communications regulator, Chris Boardman, chairman of Sport England, highlighted the toxic online culture that threatens to undermine efforts to boost female participation in sports.

Jess Carter, a defender for the Lionesses, revealed she has been subjected to racist abuse throughout the tournament. Boardman emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable and particularly disheartening given the progress made in promoting women and girls in sports.

The Role of the Online Safety Act 2023

In October 2023, the Online Safety Act became law, requiring social media platforms to protect users from harmful content, including racism and sexism. Ofcom is responsible for enforcing this legislation and developing codes of practice to guide tech companies. However, some anti-racism campaigners argue that more urgent action is needed.

Boardman stated, "The Online Safety Act 2023 provides a framework to address illegal and harmful content, including hate speech and misogynistic abuse. We are particularly interested in how the new codes can be used to address the kind of targeted abuse we are seeing."

Calls for Stronger Measures

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy also voiced her concerns, urging social media companies and Ofcom to do more. "The act will continue to be tested every time a problem surfaces, and it's incumbent on those such as Ofcom and social media platforms to be proactive in rooting this out," she said.

Nandy highlighted the importance of education, stating, "We are doing a lot of work in schools to educate young people about the impact of online abuse, but it's incumbent on all of us to call this out."

The Impact on Players

Jess Carter's experience is a stark reminder of the challenges female athletes face online. The Lionesses have been advised to avoid social media to protect their mental health. As women's football continues to grow, the need to address online abuse becomes even more critical.

Conclusion

The rise of online abuse targeting women in football is a pressing issue that requires immediate action. Sport England and other stakeholders are calling for stronger measures to protect athletes and ensure a safe online environment. It is essential for regulators, social media companies, and the public to work together to combat this toxic culture.