Level Playing Field has been joined by Kick It Out, Tackling Online Hate In Football and Fair Game, to raise serious concerns on a rise in the use of ableist slurs, which has been widespread online throughout UEFA Euro 2024.
The nation will come together to enjoy England reaching a major final and inclusion for disabled fans is vital to ensure everyone can be a part of that occasion of joy and unity. Ableist slurs are deeply offensive to many but are often normalised in sport and wider society. That cannot be accepted.
Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane alone, have been the targets of hundreds of ableist slurs on social media channels during the tournament. Beyond what was directly aimed at players and staff, fellow fans have often been subjected to ableist slurs too.
The 2023 Level Playing Field Annual Fan Survey results displayed a year-on-year rise in disability abuse as a barrier to attending live sport and there are early indications that this trend will continue with the 2024 survey. This emphasises the real-world impact of attitudes and comments such as those that have been seen online during Euro 2024.
Kick It Out also saw significant increases in the amount of ableist reports received last season, and during this year’s ‘Unite For Access’ campaign, worked alongside Level Playing Field to create guidance on disability language.
Fans are encouraged to report any instances of disability abuse. This can be done directly through clubs and the police where relevant, and Level Playing Field is always available to provide support throughout the process. The charity can be contacted via email: info@levelplayingfield.org.uk
Sunday should be a day of celebration for every England fan and an inclusive atmosphere in venues and online is an essential part of that.
📈 Level Playing Field surveys have shown year-on-year rises is ‘disability abuse’ as a barrier to attending live sport.
📊 By February, @kickitout had already received 84% of the total amount of Ableist reports received in the entire 22/23 season.
📗 During #UniteForAccess, we… pic.twitter.com/aTYmIHqW3Z
— Level Playing Field (@lpftweets) March 6, 2024