Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to help tackle (a) misogyny and (b) other forms of discriminatory behaviour at football grounds.

There is no place for sexism or any other kind of discrimination in sport, including at football grounds. It is vital that sports bodies continue to work together to tackle it.

We continue to liaise closely with all the police and football authorities about their work to tackle discrimination. This includes actions targeted at and around football grounds, such as improving reporting systems, providing better training and support for referees and stewards, and improving the quality of CCTV around stadia.

The Government also welcomes the work of organisations such as Women in Football and Kick it Out in challenging discrimination and breaking down inequalities between the sexes.

Fans can also be charged with a Football Banning Order and fined if found to use derogatory language at football games, with the possibility of more severe sentences if it has been recorded as a hate crime. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has been working with the FA, Premier League and English Football League to determine what evidence is required to charge an incident as a hate crime.