Eve De Haan's harrowing account of being sexually assaulted on the tube after a Tottenham vs. Brentford match serves as a stark reminder that, despite our love for football, the sport remains a male-dominated arena where harmful behaviors often go unchecked. This is not merely a football issue; it is a societal problem that manifests within the football community. The environment at matches and on public transport often fosters silence rather than support. We must break this silence.

If you were shocked by the article, it's likely because you haven't been paying attention. The statistics are damning and represent only the tip of the iceberg. An estimated two million women in England and Wales are victims of male violence each year—that's one in 12—with these figures increasing annually. A 2021 survey revealed that only 3% of 18- to 24-year-olds in the UK have not experienced sexual harassment in public spaces. The problem is far greater than reported, with 95% of women choosing not to report incidents due to reasons like fear of not being believed and the traumatic reporting process.

This is not about isolated incidents; it's about a culture that normalizes and excuses male violence against women, allowing it to occur repeatedly and with impunity. When bystanders—often other men—laugh off such behavior, it's no surprise that some men feel emboldened to act. Casual sexism, including 'banter,' is a gateway to coercive control, violence, and abuse. While not every individual who makes bigoted comments will perpetrate violence, the normalization of sexist language tacitly permits and emboldens those who do.

Football cannot ignore this issue. Until it addresses these problems head-on, they will continue to surface. The question should not be, 'How can women get home safely?' but rather, 'Why do men feel emboldened to attack women after football, even with others present?' Too often, bystanders—other men—laugh off the behavior, treating it as part of the game-day atmosphere. We need a comprehensive approach where the responsibility to create safe spaces is shared by everyone, not just women.

As Women of the Lane, a supporter group for women who love Spurs, we aim to create safer spaces and foster a sense of community among women and non-binary fans. We collaborate with the club to enhance match-day experiences, connect and support female Spurs fans, and tackle the sexism and misogyny we encounter. However, our ultimate goal is not for women to adapt their behavior to avoid assault; it is for men to stop denigrating and assaulting us in the first place.

Thanks to numerous organizations working tirelessly to end male violence against women and girls, we have seen a shift towards recognizing that casual sexism is not harmless. But to truly make a difference, men must lead by example, standing up, speaking out, and challenging their peers when they witness or hear something that crosses the line. Silence is complicity, and there is no place for bystanders in this fight.

This is about demanding a shift in the mentality that underpins the game we love. We need to explore the role football can play in shaping these conversations. Premier League players, with their vast platforms, should use their influence for positive change, openly discussing sexual harassment and violence and why men must be part of the solution. This is not just about policing actions; it's about transforming attitudes that permit such behavior.

We urge institutions like the police and Transport for London to do more, but no amount of surveillance, extra patrols, or public awareness campaigns will solve this issue if the core problem—a culture that accepts treating women this way—persists. The low charge and prosecution rates for sexual assault indicate how easy it is to get away with such crimes.

Women of the Lane will continue to connect women, ensuring we all feel safe at the game we love. But to all the men who love football as much as we do: stand up, be counted, and lead the change. It's time to transform the culture of football into one that truly values safety and respect for everyone, regardless of gender.

Chris Paouros is co-founder of Women of the Lane.

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