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Recognising And Responding To Discrimination In Football – A Guide For Stewards

Football should be an environment where everyone feels welcome, respected and safe to enjoy the game, free from discrimination. Matchday stewards play an important role in helping to create this environment by supporting the safety, wellbeing and experience of everyone attending a fixture.

Discrimination can take many forms, including discriminatory language, chanting, gestures, harassment, abuse and other behaviour directed towards individuals or groups because of their identity or characteristics. Such incidents can occur in the stands, concourses, entrances and other areas of a stadium. They can have a significant impact on those targeted and undermine the experience of players, supporters, staff and the wider football community.

Stewards have an important responsibility to recognise and respond appropriately to discriminatory behaviour. If a steward witnesses an incident or is informed of one by a supporter, colleague or another individual, they should follow the Club’s and stadium’s established procedures, ensuring the incident is reported and escalated through the appropriate channels.

This guide has been developed to help matchday stewards recognise potential discrimination, understand their responsibilities and take appropriate action when an incident occurs. It provides practical guidance to support a consistent response, including how to report concerns, support those affected and work with colleagues and relevant matchday personnel.

Every incident should be taken seriously. Stewards are not expected to manage every situation alone, but they should understand how to act within their role, when to seek support and how to follow the relevant procedures. A prompt, appropriate and coordinated response can help protect those affected, reinforce that discrimination will not be tolerated and contribute to a safer and more inclusive matchday experience for everyone.

Together, we can help ensure that football in Wales is a game for everyone, everywhere, where people feel welcome, respected and able to enjoy the match free from discrimination.