Two boys were taken into custody following accusations of yelling obscenities at referee Rebecca Welch during Saturday’s match between Sheffield Wednesday and Birmingham City.
“We have arrested two boys for misogynistic chanting at the female referee during Birmingham City’s home game at St Andrew’s today (Nov 25),” stated a spokesperson for the West Midlands Police.
“Our officers heard the chants being directed at the official and acted quickly to arrest the two, who are both 17.”
Their statement read: “We don’t tolerate any form of hate and it is important that hate crime is reported to us.”
They said the pair were arrested “on suspicion of a public order offence”, adding: “We don’t tolerate any form of hate and it is important hate crime is reported to us.”
White Ribbon Day kicked off a 16-day campaign on Saturday, encouraging everyone—but notably men and boys—to do their part to end the culture and conduct that permits violence and abuse against women and girls.
Former England player Wayne Rooney manages Birmingham, and in the days leading up to Friday’s encounter, the team issued a warning to fans regarding their conduct towards match officials.
The club released a statement emphasising that during Ms Welch’s prior match at St. Andrew’s versus Preston, she was subjected to “sexist and misogynistic” chants.
A five-year suspension for hate speech or discrimination might be handed down by the club, they informed their followers.
Just before the game started, BCFC.com posted a statement “encouraging supporters to be respectful towards the match officials.”
The club stated that it was “deeply disappointed that two supporters were overheard by West Midlands Police officers engaging in misogynistic chanting towards today’s referee”.
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