There is an underlying ‘niceness’ in the women’s game. Players aren’t interrogated and criticised to the same extent as male footballers.
This may be because the people who frequent social media to share their hate of male players aren’t the same people that watch the women’s game.
It may also be that people think women can’t take criticism. If this is the case, should things be changed?
Equality in insults
Female footballers want equality. With equality comes accepting the criticism that comes from fans.
Is there a ‘rose-tinted glasses’ approach to women’s football? Do people think that ‘they gave 100%’ is the thing to say when a female footballer doesn’t play to a respectable standard?
The sport is not yet at a point where female players receive the same level of criticism as male players in regards to the quality of play.
However, female footballers have been dealing with comments such as ‘women should get back in the kitchen’ for years.
After receiving this type of criticism, is their quality of play being insulted any worse than blatant sexism?
Has there been a rise in insults?
Manchester United Women manager, Casey Stoney, invited specialists to the club to help players deal with abuse on social media. She believed there was increased scrutiny that had accompanied the growth of the women’s game and her players were not yet equipped to deal with it.
The impact of this increase in criticism can be seen through the fact that in 2019, the number of footballers who accessed the counselling services offered by the PFA increased to a record high of 643 players - up by nearly 50 per cent on the year before, many also deleting their social media accounts.
Can women cope with criticism?
Phil Neville said that his players are ready for any comments that come their way, be they positive or negative. In fact, receiving criticism may be appreciated by the players as it means their game is being taken seriously.
Like anyone, criticism will resonate regardless of whether the player is male or female. What may differ between the genders is the tendency to read the comments left on their social media posts.
Male players have been subject of these comments for longer and have perhaps become immune to them. Women - who have been recently exposed to criticism may need more time to adapt.
When has criticism been an issue?
Keira Walsh spoke out about her online abuse after the World Cup last year. As it was her first tournament representing her country, she didn’t realise how much media attention she was going to get.
After receiving a tide of negative comments, she considered whether or not she even wanted to play football anymore. Thankfully for the nation and for Manchester City fans, she didn’t quit.
Male footballers are often targeted with much more intense criticism. Liverpool goalkeeper, Loris Karius, was subject to death threats after conceding three goals in the Champions League final in 2018. The ‘keeper was deeply affected by his performance as well as the comments from ‘fans’.
Will this criticism come to an end?
In short, not in the near future.
