Sue Smith: "Education is key" to tackling online hate in football

Football is renowned for its family-like club communities, unforgettable memories, and its ability to provide a real sense of belonging — that’s why it’s called the beautiful game.

However, there is a dark side that continues to stain the globally loved sport.

Hate and discrimination remains a huge problem in football and it affects those on the pitch as well the people watching in the stands or at home.

In a world heavily reliant on social media, online hate has become a growing concern. 

According to a recent study, one third of young people admitted to encountering hate speech online. 

Movements like Hope United — a BT campaign spearheaded by stars of the Home Nations, including Marcus Rashford, Lucy Bronze, and Trent Alexander-Arnold — have been put together to help stamp out online hate.

Former England international and television presenter Sue Smith is just one of the household names working closely with BT and its mission to make football a safer place for all.

The broadcaster is currently working with non-profit organisation Cybersmile in creating an online education system designed to help equip young people with the knowledge of how to tackle online hate.

She most recently visited North Shields FC to deliver a football masterclass as well as a digital skills lesson aimed at teaching the importance of being kind online.

For Smith, this is something close to her heart. As a woman working in an industry that’s very heavily male-dominated, online hate and trolling is unfortunately a regular occurrence.

“We think it’s getting better but then we keep seeing more incidents — we saw it with the England men’s team after the Euros,” Smith told GiveMeSport Women. “You can’t believe it’s still happening, but it is.”

Footba