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ALT RAINBOW OWLS STATEMENT - RE: TRANSPHOBIC INCIDENT Last month, one of our trans Rainbow Owls members experienced transphobic abuse on Instagram from a fellow Sheffield Wednesday supporter. At the member’s request, we reported the incident to Kick It Out on their behalf. The report was then forwarded to Sheffield Wednesday FC. Following an internal investigation, Sheffield Wednesday FC confirmed the individual's connection to the club and issued them with a club ban. The individual will not be able to return to football without first attending a one-to-one education session, delivered by Kick It Out through its Fan Education Programme. These sessions aim to help fans understand the impact of discriminatory behaviour in football.
ALT RAINBOW OWLS STATEMENT - RE: TRANSPHOBIC INCIDENT We’ve seen a recent spike in homophobic and transphobic abuse towards Rainbow Owls and our members on social media, reflecting a wider problem in football. Reports of anti-LGBTQ+ abuse to Kick It Out, both online and at games, rose by a fifth in 2025/26, while football-related reports of transphobic abuse on social media doubled last season. Reporting discrimination takes strength, but it is vital in making football safer. Even when an individual report doesn’t lead to the outcome hoped for, it helps build a clearer picture of discriminatory behaviour in football and can help shape future action. We’re proud that Sheffield Wednesday FC continue to take a zero-tolerance stance towards homophobia and transphobia, as shown by their prompt, professional and robust response in this case.
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