New data from the anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out shows abusive chanting targeting immigrants has become increasingly common at English football matches, forming part of a wider surge in discriminatory behaviour across the game. The charity received a record 1,744 reports of discrimination during the 2025-26 season, a 25% rise on the previous year, with increases recorded across every category it monitors, including racism, sexism, homophobia, antisemitism, ableism and Islamophobia. Kick It Out's chief executive linked the trend to a broader rise in hate crime and divisive political rhetoric in Britain, while also praising players and supporters for speaking out more.

Last season saw 39 reports of anti-immigrant chanting, including phrases such as "stop the boats" and "send them back", exceeding the combined total of the previous two seasons. Racism remained the most reported form of discrimination, up 19% to 792 cases, while Islamophobia saw the sharpest rise at 88% to 60 reports; homophobia rose 46% to 203 and antisemitism 43% to 93. Grassroots football abuse climbed for a fifth consecutive year, up 33% to 248 reports, and abuse against match officials totalled 98. The findings echo those of the UK Football Policing Unit, which noted some increase reflects improved reporting, and both bodies have urged online platforms to do more to tackle abuse.