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If you witness racist abuse inside a professional football stadium in England, tell the nearest steward or police officer as soon as it is safe to do so. Do not confront the person or put yourself or anyone else at risk. For abuse outside the ground, on the way to or from a match, or on social media, use Kick It Out’s reporting channels.

What should I do if I see racist abuse at a football match?

  1. Put safety first. Move away if you need to, and do not threaten, touch, or try to eject the person. If anyone is in immediate danger, alert stadium staff or police urgently.
  2. Report abuse inside an English professional stadium. Tell the nearest steward or police officer as soon as you safely can. The FA’s Reporting Discrimination in the Professional Game specifically names both routes for spectators. The Premier League also advises reporting promptly because doing so at the time can enable positive action.
  3. Give a clear, factual account. Say approximately when and where it happened, what you heard or saw, and where the person was or what they looked like, if you know. These details can help staff understand your report; they are not a formal evidence checklist.

You can report abuse directed at a player or match official to stadium staff. A referee’s on-field response is handled under a separate protocol for match officials; spectators should alert a steward or police officer rather than try to direct play.

Who do I tell if I hear racist chanting in the stands?

Tell the nearest steward or police officer. This is the spectator reporting route set out by The FA for discriminatory behaviour inside a professional stadium in England. Report it promptly if you can do so safely. Use official channels and avoid confronting the people involved: the Premier League says to “use official channels and be careful not to put yourself, or others, in harm’s way” in its guidance on reporting abusive behaviour.

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How do I report abuse outside the stadium or at a grassroots match?

Outside the stadium, on the way to or from a match, or online

The FA directs people to Kick It Out’s online reporting form, app, or email at report@kickitout.org for incidents outside the stadium, including on the journey to or from a match and on social media. Contact details and app availability can change, so check Kick It Out’s current reporting options when you make a report.

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For a grassroots incident, report it to the relevant County FA, The FA, or Kick It Out. You can tell the match official, who can report the matter to the County FA for follow-up, or report it directly yourself. England Football says reports can be anonymous, although additional details may be needed to take a case further. Its Reporting Discrimination page explains the available routes, including The FA’s grassroots reporting form.

Can I report racist abuse anonymously?

For grassroots football, England Football says you can report anonymously, but further details may be needed to take the case further. For professional-stadium incidents, the FA’s spectator guidance tells you whom to contact but does not establish whether an anonymous report can be made. If you are worried about identifying yourself, speak privately to a steward or police officer and ask what options are available.

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Should I confront the person?

No. Do not confront, threaten, touch, or try to remove the person. Move to a safe position and use the official reporting channel. The crossed-arms gesture and steps to stop or restart play belong to match officials under the Premier League’s on-field anti-discrimination protocol; they are not a spectator’s prescribed reporting route.

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Does this guidance apply at Wembley or outside England?

The FA’s professional spectator guidance covers domestic professional matches but excludes Wembley. At Wembley, follow the venue’s instructions or ask a steward or police officer how to report an incident. This article reflects England-specific guidance; reporting routes may differ in other countries.

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