Behind Closed Doors: The Dark Side of Football... The Scores Nobody Talks About.

DONATE TO SOLACE HERE 👉 www.justgiving.com/page/sidenotethepod Every four years, the world falls in love with football again. But behind the chants, the flags, and the pints raised in celebration, there's a pattern that repeats every single tournament. In this episode of Side Note, we go behind the game to look at the misogyny woven into football culture: the documented rise in domestic abuse during major tournaments, the way r*pe culture shows up in football fandom and media and why so many cases involving footballers and fans never end in justice. We break down the research, walk through why the UK justice system fails so many survivors, and ask what would actually need to change. This isn't an attack on football. It's an honest look at what's hiding underneath it. ⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode discusses as*ault, r*pe & abu*e, including statistics and case references that some listeners may find distressing. Listener discretion is advised. If you are affected by anything discussed in this episode, support is available — in the UK you can contact Solace Women's Aid, Refuge (0808 2000 247), or Rape Crisis (0808 802 9999). If you are in immediate danger, please call 999. 💜 We're raising money for Solace Women's Aid Find out more about Solace: www.solacewomensaid.org/ 💕 This World Cup, we're fundraising for Solace Women's Aid - London's largest domestic abuse and sexual violence charity, supporting women and children for over 50 years. Whatever the result on the pitch, women and girls still need support after the final whistle. If this episode moved you, please consider donating: DONATE TO SOLACE HERE 👉 www.justgiving.com/page/sidenotethepod Need help? 📞 National domestic abuse helpine is available 24/7 with Refuge: 0808 2000 247 Solace’s Advice line: 0808 802 5565 - Monday to Friday: 10am-4pm Tuesday: 6am-8pm [email protected] Solace’s Rape Crisis helpline: 0808 801 0305 Want to talk to Side Note's host? 💌 Please know I am here to support you & help where I can, you can reach out to me via socials @ sidenotethepod and via email [email protected] _____________________________________________________________ Your weekly tangent and unfiltered chat… because there’s always a side note. For navigating life, when things are going right, going wrong, going wild and anything & everything in between. This is Side Note: a new podcast discussing all things relationships, dating, manifestation, personal growth, navigating life, honest & raw conversations, a good rant, debate or a good laugh! Tune in every Wednesday for full episodes across all streaming platforms. xoxo side note Chapters: 0:00 - 02:13 disclaimer & trigger warning 02:22 - 05:20 the numbers 05:20 - 12:23 why do so many cases go unreported? 12:23 - 22:20 misogyny & injustice in The World Cup 2026 22:20 - 26:25 Solace Womens Aid