Hemel Hempstead Town Football Club has been fined £750 following an incident where their supporters directed a sexist chant at Stacey Pearson, a prominent female referee and former Yeovil Town player. The chant, heard during a National League South match against St Albans City in April, involved fans singing “You’re going back to the kitchen” after Pearson issued a yellow card just before halftime.
The Football Association charged the club with failing to control its spectators and prevent offensive, gender-based language. Despite this being a singular occurrence, the FA found Hemel Hempstead Town in breach of multiple disciplinary rules, resulting in the fine and an imposed Action Plan aimed at promoting inclusivity and curbing discriminatory behavior.
Stacey Pearson, who has officiated at top levels including the Women’s Super League, Champions League, and international matches, confirmed her involvement in the match but referred further comments to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
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In response to the ruling, Hemel Hempstead Town announced a series of initiatives designed to foster a more welcoming environment. These include appointing a Supporter Liaison Officer, equipping stewards with body cameras to monitor conduct, and collaborating with organizations like Kick It Out and Her Game Too. The club plans to introduce educational programs for fans and stewards focusing on preventing discriminatory language and behavior related to gender, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, and other protected characteristics.
Pearson, who also works as a physical education teacher, previously expressed her desire to see increased professionalism within the women’s game, advocating for more full-time referees and greater female participation at all levels of football.
The disciplinary commission concluded that the chants constituted improper and offensive behavior with explicit gender references, violating FA Rules aimed at maintaining respect and dignity in the sport.