In the first of this two-part special on the state of football, researchers from the University of Portsmouth explore how football in the UK is moving towards becoming a fairer game, and look at the challenges still faced.Dr Tom Webb shares insights into his research around match officials: how this group has been marginalised and is subject to abuse at every level. He compares this to work he’s done internationally and asks what can be done to ensure people’s rights to a safe working experience are respected.Dr Beth Clarkson works to promote equality and diversity in sports. She’s a Policy Advisor for Fair Game UK and discusses how policy and governance can be used to drive sustainability and fairness in the sport. She thinks that research can be fundamental in bringing marginalised voices to the fore in decision-making at every level of the game.DR TOM WEBB @DRTOMWEBBhttps://researchportal.port.ac.uk/en/persons/thomas-webbDR BETH CLARKSON @DRBCLARKSON https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/beth-clarksonFAIR GAME UKhttps://www.fairgameuk.org ABUSE, REFEREES AND MATCH OFFICIALS https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/uk-sporting-bodies-join-forces-to-tackle-abuse-towards-officialsWOMEN’S FOOTBALLhttps://researchportal.port.ac.uk/en/publications/european-super-league-failure-was-a-lucky-swerve-for-womens-footb THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON ELITE WOMEN’S SPORThttps://researchportal.port.ac.uk/en/publications/the-gendered-effects-of-covid-19-on-elite-womens-sportARE WOMEN WINNING THE FIGHT FOR EQUAL PAY IN SPORT?https://researchportal.port.ac.uk/en/publications/women-in-sport-are-winning-the-fight-for-equal-pay-slowly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.