The World Cup kicked off back on 11 June, with Scotland eventually losing success after a brutal match against Brazil. The World Cup is an amazing opportunity to bring everyone together and cheer on the same team; however, these worldwide watched matches create fear for thousands in the UK.
Football Hooliganism
In Britain, with great success for our teams comes an even greater disappointment in the fact that domestic abuse rates increase around these games. Football itself is often associated with yelling, chanting and violence, which consistently take place at most stadiums. In fact, the large number of arrests that have already taken place this year proves the severity of this issue. Glasgow recently faced a swarm of rioters in May, where 15 football fans were arrested for serious disorder and violence following a Celtic Premiership League success. Police, however, are also continuing arrests from a similar incident that took place in March, with a total of 37 arrests made for the same antisocial behaviours.
If football fans are comfortable inflicting heavy violence onto main city streets and even police officers, what kind of violence are they comfortable with committing behind closed doors?
England Domestic Abuse Rates
Research from Women’s Aid, the lead organisation in the UK who are striving to prevent domestic violence, states that cases of domestic abuse increased by 38 per cent when England lost a match and 26 per cent when they won or drew. While football is not the sole cause of domestic abuse, external factors like high emotions, alcohol consumption, and disappointing match results can intensify existing abusive behaviour.
Importance of Spreading Awareness
‘The Other Kick Off’ is the title of Women’s Aid’s new campaign, which represents the estimated time that domestic abuse was expected to rise after the first England game. As the World Cup match began at 9 pm, Women’s Aid highlight the much darker kick-off time, 11:37 pm, the time when abusive partners return home after watching the match.
This powerful campaign has been splashed across billboards, social media, and fly posters located near football stadiums to raise awareness of the sobering realities of domestic violence. Each poster features a QR code directing viewers to the Women’s Aid website presenting the opportunity to inform and support victims, as well as the option to donate to the charity.
Campaigning for change is essential during football season, to remind everyone of the true, devastating violence that is lying underneath the celebrations and success of teams.
Dark Truths Behind Star Players
It is not just the fans who have a track record for violence. Joining the list of famous footballers who have been charged or arrested for violent crimes are two footballers currently playing in the World Cup.
Morocco team captain Achraf Hakimi was charged in 2023 with rape charges in France, which he has been very vocal about across social media, denying all accusations. Following a failed attempt of a trial dismissal, Hakimi has recently lodged an appeal with France’s Court of Cassation solely due to him leading Morocco into the World Cup.
Image credit – Bryan Berlin via Wikimedia
Thomas Partey, however, a footballer for the Ghana national team, has been charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Much like Hakimi, Thomas pleaded not guilty to all charges, and despite being denied entry to Canada for Ghana’s first game, he still took to the pitch on 23 June to play against England.
Image credit – Anna Nessie via Wikimedia
FIFA allowing these players to represent their country in the World Cup is incredibly damaging to victims, as it essentially sends the message that they can commit these horrible crimes and face zero consequences career-wise.
There are hundreds of professional footballers that can easily be replacements, so why aren’t FIFA taking a stand and removing these players for the sake of survivors?
Relationship Between Football and Violence
The link is astoundingly clear between football culture and domestic abuse, especially when some of the most famous players have been charged with violence against women. In 2026, the world currently has the best resources and platforms to make changes; therefore, it is time to shift the violent nature of football fans and players.
Image credit – FIFA via Wikimedia
Domestic violence affects nearly 130,000 people annually in the UK, and while football spikes these rates, abuse is nevertheless an ongoing pattern of behaviour that perpetrators need to be held accountable for. The more we address domestic violence as a society, the greater we will be at combatting these high rates and heartbreaking statistics.
Reach Out For Help:
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, there are helplines available. You can get in contact with Police Scotland by dialling 101 for non-emergencies and 999 in an emergency. 24/7 support is also available through Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline at 0800 027 1234.
Featured image credit – Bryan Berlin via Wikimedia
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