A Reform UK MP has been branded “irresponsible” for suggesting England’s football team needs to keep winning World Cup matches to prevent a rise in domestic abuse incidents.
Sarah Pochin, the Reform MP for Runcorn and Helsby, made the claim in a short social media video the day after England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia in their opening fixture.
“England won the football last night, and thank goodness they did,” she said.
Ms Pochin added: “Because on the occasions that England lose their football matches, the incidences of domestic violence go through the roof. So boys, keep winning.”
Leading charities which support domestic abuse victims were among those who criticised Ms Pochin’s remarks.
Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women’s Aid, said: “Football does not cause domestic abuse – it is a choice that is made by the abuser, time and again, regardless of whether a team wins or loses a match.
“Research tells us that domestic abuse does rise during championships, but this is the case whether the team wins or loses.
“It is irresponsible to suggest that a team’s success is responsible for whether a man commits domestic abuse or not.
“We also know that it is a pattern of behaviour, that repeats and escalates over time, and not something that happens as a result of one match.
“Whether England wins, loses or draws, no woman or child should live in fear of that final whistle blow.
“We hope that through our new campaign, we will be able to help raise awareness of this heinous crime, while also signposting people to support, not only for themselves, but for loved ones they’re concerned about.”
A spokesperson for the charity Refuge said: “Refuge is deeply concerned by a highly inappropriate social media post from Sarah Pochin MP suggesting that England should win more men’s football World Cup matches to reduce domestic abuse.
“This is not only misleading, but could allow perpetrators to evade accountability.
“We must be clear: football is never an excuse for domestic abuse, and perpetrators cannot continue to be shielded by the myth that football directly causes abuse.
“While major sports tournaments can exacerbate pre-existing behaviours, abuse happens all year round, often hidden and unreported.
“Abusers may use football or alcohol intake as an excuse, but there is never any justification for domestic abuse. It is the abuser’s actions alone that are to blame – not external events or circumstances. It is a choice, and it must be challenged.
“As the World Cup continues, it is more vital than ever that we shift the narrative and give domestic abuse the red card. To show your support for survivors, take action with Refuge now.”
Ms Pochin’s political opponents also admonished her for the video.
Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities, wrote in response to Ms Pochin: “Men should not beat up women. Full stop. No excuses.”
Reform has come under fire in recent weeks for past social comments made by Robert Kenyon, its candidate in the Makerfield by-election.
Mr Kenyon used a now-deleted X account to support an offensive post about Welsh broadcaster Carol Vorderman.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has dismissed his candidate’s past social media use as “a few laddish things”, which were “posted a decade ago”.
Reform this week pledged to strengthen protections for pregnant women and new mothers, promising to become Britain’s most “pro-mother” party.
The party said it would introduce a “Women and Motherhood Protection Act” if it came to power.
Reform UK was contacted for comment.
