Antisemitism in football

Kick It Out has long been campaigning around issues of antisemitism and anti-Jewish abuse in football.

Working in partnership with the game’s governing bodies, community organisations, grassroots clubs and educational establishments, the campaign strives to raise awareness on this area of discrimination.

Most notably, Kick It Out released a film in 2011, entitled ‘The Y-Word’, written and produced by David and Ivor Baddiel, to encourage debate around the use of the word and the wider consequences of this.

The film was launched in conjunction with Maccabi GB, Community Security Trust and the Shoresh Foundation, and has now received over 145,000 views and nearly 600 comments via YouTube.

To help educate and inform the younger generation on the history of the Jewish community and issues of antisemitism, Kick It Out released an educational resource, entitled ‘Think Again!’ to accompany the film with two launches in London and Manchester co-ordinated with the National Union of Teachers (NUT). Please click here to download.

In November 2013, David and Ivor attended the European Jewish Congress for the European Parliament Symposium in Brussels to discuss the film and the response it has received since its launch.

Kick It Out has also played a leading role in informing the Police, via its online reporting facility True Vision, of antisemitic messages posted on social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.

The campaign continues to develop its strong links with Maccabi GB, the Community Security Trust, the London Jewish Museum, the Manchester Jewish Museum, the European Jewish Congress and the Israeli FA.

 

Report an incident of discrimination confidentiallymore >

 

  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010
"We have a responsibility as players to give something back and I’m really thankful to be part of this organisation because we can do a lot of good."
Jack Butland, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“A big part of my involvement with Kick It Out stems from my strong admiration for the organisation’s commitment to fairness and equality.”
Clive Tyldesley, football commentator
“It was Kick It Out that convinced the people in football that change was possible.”
Greg Dyke, former FA chairman
“I wanted to thank the campaigners at Kick It Out for their work. I know first-hand how Kick It Out can help.”
Yaya Toure, Manchester City midfielder
“It is important for me in my role as a Kick It Out ‘Next 20’ ambassador to teach young people how to handle discrimination and treat people with respect.”
Romelu Lukaku, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“It is a massive honour for me to be an ambassador for such a great organisation. I think they do great work on and off the field.”
Toni Duggan, 'Next 20' Ambassador
"It really helped me to see that other professional sports people were acknowledging their sexuality. I read about John Amaechi, Gareth Thomas and Tom Daley. They weren't footballers but the fact that they went public gave me the feeling that I was not alone."
Thomas Hitzlsperger, former Aston Villa midfielder
"There was no conflict between religion and the fact that I wanted to play football. I was brought up correctly and in the right way and my parents are very proud of the fact that I am a professional footballer."
Sadio Mané, Liverpool winger
“I think it’s important to share success stories and realise that there are women operating in the game. If it’s something you want to do, you can do it.”
Ffion Eade, Hampshire FA referee
"I've had loads of negative comments from men, especially growing up. It's just boring and old. Times have changed, and they continue to change. Women play football, and they're good at it, and have been for a number of years.”
Kelly Smith, England Women's record goalscorer
"Despite the progress, stereotypes still exist in football and until that is broken down it will be extremely difficult for a woman to manage a top level men's team."
Rachel Yankey, former Arsenal Ladies forward
"There’s no hiding that there is sexism in sport. We have a lack of women right across all levels of management, playing and coaching. It shows the closed nature of sport in general and this includes the media. It’s an indictment of sport as a whole."
Rimla Akhtar, Kick It Out trustee and Chair of the Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation
“I’m proud to be a supporter of Kick It Out and particularly the work they are doing to combat antisemitism within football.”
Joe Jacobson, Wycombe Wanderers midfielder
"With Kick It Out leading the way football is standing up and fighting against those who preach hatred and intolerance and we at Chelsea are proud to support their work."
Bruce Buck, Chelsea Football Club Chairman