We are pleased to announce a new partnership with West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire Police to tackle discrimination in football.

The number of discrimination cases reported into West Riding FA has risen by well over 100% over the past 2 seasons. 

West Riding FA manage the regulatory processes that sits behind any investigation and ensure that all parties involved are supported.

However, we know there is still work to be done to ensure that everyone who needs to report discrimination can do and knows the process, but more importantly to reduce the number of incidences of discrimination in the first place.

Head of Football Development, Jo de Tute said “We are acutely aware that reports of discrimination in football is on the rise, and we want to ensure that we look to halt and ultimately start to decrease this number. 

There needs to be an understanding from those involved in the game that what happens in football could, if serious enough, impact on things outside of the football arena.

This partnership with West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire Police will be key to ensuring that the necessary action can be taken. 

The partnership will include both investigation and education elements and as a County FA we are really looking forward to taking the next steps and grateful for the interaction from both forces.”

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE, said: “I am pleased to be supporting this innovative partnership between West Yorkshire Police, the West Riding FA and North Yorkshire Police which I have no doubt will encourage more people to come forward and get support.

By raising awareness of reporting facilities and working to increase confidence we hope to leave no place for hate to go unchallenged and ultimately, eradicate it all together.

Anyone affected by these issues please know that help is available.”

Assistant Chief Constable Damien Miller of West Yorkshire Police, said “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the West Riding County FA and colleagues at North Yorkshire Police to raise awareness of hate crime in football.

Hate crime has a huge impact on victims but also on the wider community and we will continue to support important campaigns such as this.

It is important that victims have the confidence to come forward and report what has happened to them – if you tell us what has happened, we will listen and we will take action.”

Inspector Dave Barf of North Yorkshire Police, added "We're very pleased to be working together with our colleagues at West Yorkshire Police and the West Riding FA to raise awareness of hate crime and the devastating impact it can have on people's lives.

No-one should have to experience hate and abuse just because of who they are.

My thanks go to everyone involved in launching this important and worthwhile campaign."

Discrimination has no place in society and we are committed to tackling allegations of discriminatory language and behaviour in grassroots football.

To report discrimination in grassroots football please click here