A BBC investigation has revealed over 2,000 instances of severe online abuse, including death threats and racist slurs, directed at Premier League and WSL managers and players in one weekend. Managers were targeted more than players, primarily on X (formerly Twitter).
Key figures like Ruben Amorim, Arne Slot, and Eddie Howe were frequently targeted in the men’s league. Chelsea and manager Sonia Bompastor faced half of all abuse in the WSL, with threats and homophobic slurs being prevalent.
The findings highlight a concerning rise in online abuse, with a significant portion originating from the UK and Ireland. Social media platforms face scrutiny over their content moderation policies and the effectiveness of the Online Safety Act.