West Riding FA Reaffirms Commitment to Equality and Respect in Football

At West Riding FA, we are deeply committed to fostering an environment of respect, inclusivity, and equality within the game of football. Recent incidents this past month involving inappropriate and discriminatory language—targeting individuals based on their sexuality, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics—are a stark reminder of the work still required to ensure football remains a safe and welcoming space for everyone.

Allegations of discriminatory language or behaviour are treated with the utmost seriousness. We are currently investigating several incidents where inappropriate language has been reported, including homophobic, racist, and other abusive terms directed towards players, spectators, and officials.

Our Stance on Discrimination

We categorically condemn any form of abuse in football. This behaviour has no place in our game or wider society. Our commitment to equality is unwavering, and we actively promote respect both on and off the pitch.

Supporting You to Take Action

As The FA launches its 2024-2028 Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) Strategy, "A Game Free From Discrimination," with one of its core pillars focused on addressing discrimination, we encourage everyone involved in football to:

• Speak out against discriminatory behaviour when it is safe to do so.
• Report incidents immediately through the appropriate channels.
• Educate themselves and others on the importance of inclusion and respect.

To empower individuals to report abuse effectively, we have developed a one-page guide designed to help individuals write a clear and impactful statement when they witness or experience abusive behaviour. This resource provides practical advice and guidance to ensure incidents are reported accurately and can be acted upon swiftly.

West Riding FA will continue to work with clubs, officials, and communities to ensure these principles are upheld. Let’s stand together to eliminate discrimination from our game.

If you witness or experience discriminatory behaviour, please report it via our online portal, or contact us directly for support. Download our one-page guide to help you take the first step in standing up against abuse.