MSP's to debate tackling sexism against women footballers following Courier investigation

A debate is taking place at the Scottish Parliament later today about tackling sexism against women footballers after an investigation by The Courier.

Joe FitzPatrick MSP, the Scottish Government's former Sports Minister, has a motion scheduled in Members' Business.

It will applaud the work of Sophie Goodwin and Stephen Stewart, both DC Thomson journalists, who worked on the investigation, which also featured in The Courier's sister newspaper, The Press and Journal.

According to its findings, which covered Fife as well as other areas of Scotland, more than 70 per cent of female respondents had experienced discrimination.

The motion will also recognise the work of charity #HerGameToo, who told Kingdom FM in February that more progress was needed to tackle misogyny in football in Scotland.

It followed a survey by the Scottish Football Supporters Association saying a quarter of female supporters had experienced misogynistic or sexist comments at games, yet felt safe.

The work of the DC Thomson journalists has also been welcomed by the organisation running the women's game in Scotland.

Aileen Campbell, the CEO of Scottish Women's Football, said: "Women’s football in Scotland is on an upward trajectory and it is great that so many women and girls want to take part in the sport we all love. 

"However, significant challenges remain in terms of attitudes towards women taking part in sport and this needs to change. 

"That is why we welcome the work of the Press and Journal and the Courier to raise awareness about the reported levels of sexism and misogyny faced by women in football. 

"It is encouraging that MSPs in the Scottish Parliament will now debate this issue to help identify ways we can work together to tackle it. 

"We want our game to be a positive, supportive, and welcoming environment that celebrates our players for their achievements on the pitch. 

"We must call out misogyny and hate and work hard to deliver the structural and cultural changes that are required to improve our game. 

"At Scottish Women’s Football we are committed to driving the positive change that we seek and which women and girls deserve."

Anas Hassan, our reporter, had a chat with Stephen prior to the debate: