Posted on 19th June 2025
It’s not just banter: FSA members challenge sexist chanting
“It’s not just banter” is a new video from FSA members challenging sexist chanting at the match, in the latest part of our Women’s Voice in the Men’s Game campaign.
Brainchild of the FSA’s Hannah Kumari, the video consists of FSA members calling on men at the match to challenge sexist chanting which remains all too commonplace.
Leading with real footage of Sheffield Wednesday fans being subject to sexist chanting on their way home after a match, the video then follows on with first person testimony from a range of matchgoing fans and FSA members.
“It’s not just banter” is a new video from FSA members challenging sexist chanting at the match, in the latest part of our Women’s Voice in the Men’s Game campaign. Read more: https://t.co/CZl7CDUSn1 pic.twitter.com/8zpjIBBN2S
— The FSA (@WeAreTheFSA) June 19, 2025
“We wanted to keep it simple with women explaining how they feel,” Hannah says. “I hope it might encourage men who defend this behaviour to see things from our perspective.
“We still don’t actually talk about sexist chanting enough, many people sadly still have the attitude that it’s simply part of football. That it’s banter. We’re here to say it’s not.”
The issue of sexist chanting has been a persistent one in recent seasons, often centering around high-profile Premier League players – most recently the instances of chanting around Phil Foden’s family, the Mason Greenwood case and the ongoing investigation of an unnamed Premier League footballer on sexual assault charges.
“The chants heard around these cases are weaponising violence against women and girls simply to wind up opposition teams, players and supporters.” Hannah says.
That doesn’t sit right with a lot of supporters and Hannah says matchgoing women often discuss how sexist chanting makes them feel uncomfortable or even unwelcome at the match.
Hannah said: “I’ve heard sexist chanting as a fan. It makes me think I don’t belong here, that this isn’t my space – that’s not a great feeling.
“Women at the match shouldn’t have to put up with it. At the end of the day, we just want to be part of something and not excluded.”
Debut in Manchester
The video debuted at a workshop at the FSA’s AGM in Manchester on Saturday (14th June) providing an opportunity for delegates to discuss their own experiences and our Women’s Voice in the Men’s Game work.
“It was really well-received at the AGM and we had a great discussion about it,” Hannah says.
“Everyone agreed that this wasn’t about sanitising football, no-one wants a football culture where you aren’t allowed to say anything.
“We all shout and swear at the match, we don’t want to lose that passion but it is about recognising the real impact sexist chanting can and does have.”
‘It’s not just banter’ was made by Hannah with the help of director Cameron Richards, director of photography Adam Hudson, creative associate Sarah Keig, sound recordist Chiara Meadows, hair and make-up artist Beatrice Bolo and stylist Khalifa Forte.
Hannah also paid tribute to the supporters who took part: Bea, Tamara, Reena, Jo, Maisie, Sarah, Kitty, Monty, Barney and Rachel.
“We hope it connects with people,” Hannah said. “We want men to reflect on sexist chanting and to start challenging it.”
Women’s Voice in the Men’s Game is an FSA project that connects supporters looking to discuss their experiences in following live men’s football. If you would like to get involved with the campaign, get in touch!
