Women’s games are not currently listed as ‘designated matches’
MPs have asked for an “immediate change” to the law which bans people from attending football matches as it does not cover women’s games in the same way as men’s matches.
Among the eight MPs to have written to Nigel Huddleston – the parliamentary under-secretary for sport – is Tracey Crouch.
The request comes after the pitch invader who was barged to the floor by Chelsea’s Sam Kerr could not be charged as the legislation only applies to “designated matches”.
Discussing the matter, the MPs wrote: “We were shocked.
“Given the growth of the professional women’s game, this is enormously worrying.”
Members of the women's parliamentary football team and women's football group have written to the Sports Minister calling for the closure of the loophole that excludes women's football as designated matches, as highlighted by @charlotteharpur pic.twitter.com/9V3lHSM4sv
— Tracey Crouch (@tracey_crouch) December 13, 2021
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that no arrest had been made, despite the fact that section 4 of the 1991 Football (Offences) Act says it is an arrestable offence to go onto the playing field.
The Athletic reported that, because Women’s Champions League and Women’s Super League games are not classified as ‘designated matches’, no arrest could be made.
The MPs’ letter continued: “We strongly urge you to consider an immediate change to the legislation to ensure that professional women’s football is listed as a designated match thus bringing parity of protection to female footballers afforded to their male counterparts.”
Last week, Australian forward Kerr was cheered by the crowd as she dropped an unsuspecting pitch invader to the ground with a shoulder charge on Wednesday night.
The man – who entered the field of play during the closing stages of the goalless draw at Kingsmeadow – briefly interrupted the match as he appeared to try and take photos with Chelsea captain, Magda Eriksson.
As he eventually walked towards the sidelines, Kerr dropped her shoulder into him and forced him to the floor, leading the crowd to show their approval by cheering the Australia captain’s actions.
However, once the man had been removed from the pitch by stewards, the referee showed Kerr a yellow card for the incident.
Crouch added on Twitter: “This is extraordinary! I didn’t know this but now that I do I shall look to see how it can be changed. I also think Kerr’s yellow card should be rescinded – ridiculous she gets punished when the invader does not!”
This is extraordinary! I didn't know this but now that I do I shall look to see how it can be changed. I also think Kerr's yellow card should be rescinded – ridiculous she gets punished when the invader does not! https://t.co/NbAC40AXrj
— Tracey Crouch (@tracey_crouch) December 13, 2021
A Home Office spokesperson told BBC Sport: “Football banning order legislation covers both women’s and men’s designated matches where there is a high risk of disorder, and matches in the Uefa Women’s Champions League and women’s international matches fall under its scope.
“Matches are designated based on the history of incidents and the assessment of risk. Where matches are not designated, they are subject to generic public order legislation that applies to them as well as other sporting events.”
Related links:
- Chelsea pitch invader can’t be arrested as WCL matches aren’t ‘designated matches’
- Sam Kerr drops pitch invader with shoulder charge during Chelsea Juventus clash
- FIFA World XI squad announced as Mohamed Salah misses out
