Abuse. Anger. Intimidation. Hate ruins our game. It has to end. Reporting it is the first step to removing it and protecting the game we love

In grassroots football, hate has many faces. Hate reveals itself in players, in coaches, in spectators. It ruins the experience for everyone who’s there just to enjoy the game.

We’ll take action when you tell us

As our eyes and ears on the ground, we’re asking you tell us every time you see hate happening. You can report it anonymously if you wish, your report will always be confidential. When we know about it, we can take the tough action needed to remove the haters, with tougher sanctions than ever before.

Only when you do your part can we do ours

Too often, people don’t want to make a scene and feel they have no option but to let it happen. But together, we can protect our game. It means not standing by or relying on others. It means stepping up by reporting abusive behaviour every time it happens, whenever and wherever you experience it.

When you report hate, we can take the steps needed to remove it, and together can protect the game we love.

What counts as hate?

In grassroots football, hate is verbal abuse, insulting gestures or prejudicial behaviour. Racism, sexism and homophobia are the most common hate incidents we hear about, but we want to hear about any form of discriminatory behaviour any time it happens. If it feels wrong to you, it will to others too.

What are the punishments?

Let us be clear, we will take the strongest action against those who ruin the game for others. Tough punishments for players, coaches and spectators – and anyone else – who behave in discriminatory ways include:

• Players removed from play
• Players suspended for games
• Clubs having points deducted
• Clubs having their ground closed
• Spectators asked to leave

Remember, reporting hate is the first step to removing it and protecting the game we love.

How do I report hate?

We need you to report abusive behaviour every time you experience it. Only then will we know it’s happened. Only then can we act to remove it.

It's easier than ever to report hate, prejudice or discrimination. You can report hate anonymously if you wish, or you can give us your name along with your evidence. This gives us a better chance of successfully punishing offenders. When you do your part, you can rely on us to do ours.

You can report at any time, even after the match has finished.

• Report it to us using this form
• Report it to The FA here
• To report it to Kick It Out here
• Report it to a Match Official