A report from Durham University has called for professional men's football clubs to tackle "pervasive sexism and misogyny in sport" - and has suggested that the men's game could learn from the women's. 

This report comes two days after a 12-month ban was handed out to a Darlington football fan who hurled misogynistic abuse at official Emily Carney. 

The fan was banned after being identified by both eyewitnesses and video footage following an incident at a match between Scarborough Athletic and Darlington on January 2. Away teams, the Football Association (FA) and the National League will also be informed of the sanction.

Dr Stacey Pope, from the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Durham University, recommends that a national hotline is set up so women can report incidents safely and action is taken - as currently, there is "no mechanism" to tackle sexism in the sport. 

Read more: Darlington FC: Fan banned for 12 months for misogynistic abuse

Dr Pope's suggestions have been shared with all men’s professional football clubs in England as well as football governing bodies and key politicians.

Its publication coincides with a Women and Equalities Committee meeting today (18 January) to discuss sexism and inequality in football, as part of its ongoing inquiry on this topic.

Dr Pope’s report suggests that men’s football could learn from the women’s game and the positive and inclusive fan culture around the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 tournament.

She said: “Sexism and misogyny in the men’s game must be challenged and eradicated. Doing nothing means that men’s football will continue to operate in the dark ages, failing to cater adequately for 51 per cent of the population.]

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“Football has seen the introduction of campaigns to tackle issues such as racism and homophobia in the sport. Yet to date, there is no mechanism to tackle sexism and misogyny in football. This needs to change."

The study follows University research which has shown that "men’s professional football in England remains one of the last bastions of male domination and misogynistic attitudes towards women are rife within football."

The issue is already being considered by Government through two select committees, on safety at major sporting events and on sexism and inequality, to which Dr Pope has given evidence.

Dr Pope argues that addressing sexism and misogyny in men’s football could lead to growth in the game, significantly increasing attendance and interest. She says it is not only the right thing to do, in terms of equality, diversity and inclusion, but could have financial benefits for clubs too.  

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