Anti-Immigrant Chanting in English Football Rises, Data Shows 2026

Anti-immigrant chanting in English football has surged to record levels, according to new data from Kick It Out. The anti-discrimination charity received 39 reports of anti-immigrant abuse last season, more than the previous two seasons combined, with phrases like “stop the boats” and “send them back” heard at all levels of the game.

Record Discrimination Reports Across Football

Kick It Out’s latest figures reveal a 25% year-on-year increase in total discriminatory reports, reaching 1,744 in the 2025-26 season. This marks the highest number ever recorded by the charity, with every category of discrimination hitting new highs.

Racism remains the most reported issue, with 792 incidents (45% of all reports), a 19% rise from the previous season. Other notable increases include Islamophobia (up 88% to 60 reports), homophobia (up 46% to 203), and antisemitism (up 43% to 93).

Grassroots Football and Match Officials Affected

Abuse in grassroots football rose for the fifth consecutive year, with 248 reports—a 33% increase. Reports against match officials also reached 98, equaling the total from the previous three seasons combined. This highlights the pervasive nature of discrimination beyond professional stadiums.

Why Anti-Immigrant Chanting Is on the Rise

Samuel Okafor, CEO of Kick It Out, links the rise in football abuse to broader societal trends. “These figures show that discrimination remains deeply embedded across the game at a time when we’re also seeing rises in hate crime and divisive political rhetoric in Britain,” he said.

However, he also praised the growing willingness of supporters and players to report abuse. In March, a 60-year-old man was given a banning order for anti-immigrant chanting, showing that action is being taken.

Key Takeaways from the Data

• Total discrimination reports hit a record 1,744, up 25% from last season.
• Anti-immigrant chanting reports more than doubled, with 39 cases in 2025-26.
• Racism remains the most common form, but Islamophobia saw the steepest rise at 88%.
• Grassroots abuse and attacks on match officials are at five-year highs.
• Kick It Out encourages reporting; professional players are setting examples.

How Football Is Responding

Kick It Out is calling for stronger sanctions and education programs. The charity emphasizes that clubs, leagues, and fans must work together to eradicate abuse. While the rise in reports may partly reflect greater awareness, the underlying behavior remains a serious concern.

For fans, reporting abuse through official channels is crucial. The data shows that when people speak out, action follows—whether through bans or other penalties.

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