See something, say something
Why reporting hate protects the game we love
Football is more than a game; it’s a community built on passion, belonging, and respect. But when hate and antisocial behaviour enter our stadiums, pitches, or sidelines, they compromise the essence of the sport we cherish. England Football’s Enough is Enough campaign is calling on everyone – from players and coaches to fans – to take a stand.
If you see something, say something.
Hate, whether witnessed or experienced, chips away at the spirit of football, creating unwelcoming environments that prevent people from fully participating in the sport. Discriminatory language, verbal abuse, and aggressive behaviour not only alienate individuals but can also discourage entire communities from engaging with the game.
No place for hate
"I've been threatened by players who’ve said things like ‘I’m going to smash you up at the end of the game," says amateur level referee Ryan Crabtree.* Verbal abuse and aggressive behaviour can occur at every level of the game. It’s these moments that Enough is Enough aims to eradicate, ensuring that football remains a safe and inclusive space for all. Reporting poor behaviour is a powerful tool in tackling hate. When we speak up, we send a clear message that there is no place for discrimination or aggression in our game.
Reporting incidents is easy
Enough is Enough empowers players, coaches, and fans with accessible ways to report incidents. You can report anything you don’t like at any time, even after the match has finished. To make this easy, here are four ways of telling us:
1/ To report it to The FA
2/ To report it to Kick It Out
3/ Report it to your County FA
4/ Report it to a Match Official
Reporting isn’t just about accountability – it’s about making football safer, more welcoming, and more respectful for everyone involved.The FA backs this commitment with strict sanctions against offenders, from suspensions to bans, depending on the severity of the incident. These consequences reinforce that hate has no place in football.
Change the game for good
Lasting change doesn’t happen from the top down; it requires collective responsibility. Each of us plays a role in creating an environment where respect is the standard.
So, the next time you see something wrong, remember: saying something isn’t just about calling out bad behaviour; it’s about protecting the game we all love. With Enough is Enough, we all have a voice—and together, we can make football a safe space for everyone.
To report abuse at a match head online to Enough is Enough
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