Sport England express concern over online abuse of the Lionesses

Sport England’s chair, Chris Boardman, has written to Ofcom to express concern about online abuse directed at the England Women’s football team during their Euro 2025 campaign in Switzerland.

Boardman’s letter to the chief executive of Ofcom, the UK communications services regulator, expresses concern about ‘the recent wave of racist and sexist abuse directed at members of the England Women’s football team across social media platforms.’

This behaviour is abhorrent and unacceptable in any context, but it is especially disheartening given the progress we have made in championing women and girls in sport. Chris Boardman, Chair, Sport England

Sport England point out that the body has committed millions of pounds to ‘increase participation, visibility, and opportunity for women and girls in sport, resulting in ‘record levels of engagement and a growing sense of pride and representation among young women across the country.’

Boardman cites the Online Safety Act 2023 which provides a framework to address harmful content through its Codes of Practice. He believes that the codes can be used to address the kind of targeted abuse that has been seen recently.

For too long internet trolls have been given free rein by the big tech companies to spread bile and misery, and this cannot be allowed to continue.  Chris Boardman, Chair, Sport England.

The letter concludes with a request that Ofcom advise what further steps can be taken within the current regulatory framework to tackle online misogyny and racism online.

It’s depressing that in 2025 Sport England feel the need to send a letter of this kind to the communications regulator but sadly there are still people out there who feel the need to trash women’s football. Let’s hope that the Lionesses do their bit in the final of the Euros on Sunday to put these anonymous trolls in their place.