Anti-migrant chants in English football matches on the rise, data shows

Chants targeting migrants are becoming a more frequent and concerning feature of English football matches, according to new data from the anti-discrimination group Kick It Out. Last season saw 39 reports of anti-migrant chanting, a figure higher than the combined total of the two preceding seasons. Phrases like 'stop the boats' and 'send them home' were reportedly heard across various levels of the game, contributing to a trend of discriminatory crowd behavior.

This rise in xenophobic rhetoric aligns with a broader increase in discrimination reports both in stadiums and online. Kick It Out documented a record 1,744 reports of discriminatory behavior during the 2025-2026 season, marking a 25% jump from the previous year. Every category of discrimination saw an increase, with racism remaining the most prevalent issue, up 19% with 792 reports. Sexist behavior rose 12% to 216 cases, homophobia surged 46% to 203, antisemitism increased 43% to 93, disability discrimination grew 20% to 89, and Islamophobia spiked 88% to 60. All six categories reached five-year highs.

Discrimination at grassroots football also climbed for the fifth consecutive year, with a 33% increase to a record 248 reports in 2025-2026. Incidents involving abuse and harassment of match officials equaled the combined total of the previous three seasons. Samuel Okafor, CEO of Kick It Out, stated that these incidents reflect a wider increase in hate speech within British society. However, he commended the growing courage of fans and players in speaking out against such issues.

"These figures show that discrimination is still deeply ingrained in football, at a time when we are also seeing a rise in hate crime and divisive political rhetoric in Britain," Okafor said. "However, this data also proves that people are now braver in standing up to misconduct when they see it, and it is very encouraging to see professional players setting a good example last season."

“

These figures show that discrimination is still deeply ingrained in football, at a time when we are also seeing a rise in hate crime and divisive political rhetoric in Britain. However, this data also proves that people are now braver in standing up to misconduct when they see it, and it is very encouraging to see professional players setting a good example last season.