A Reform UK MP has come under fire after suggesting England’s football team should continue winning matches to help prevent violence against women.
The comments were made by Sarah Pochin a day after England secured a 4-2 victory over Croatia in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
In a short video shared on X, Pochin welcomed the result and linked football outcomes to levels of domestic abuse.
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“On the occasions that England lose their football matches, the incidents of domestic violence go through the roof,” she said.
“So boys, keep winning.”
Research has previously highlighted a connection between football results and reports of domestic abuse. A study by Lancaster University found that reported incidents can increase by 38% when England lose and by 26% when they win.
Labour MPs Criticise Sarah Pochin’s Comments
Despite the research, critics argued that Pochin’s remarks appeared to place responsibility on footballers rather than those committing acts of abuse.
Equalities minister Bridget Phillipson was among the first to respond, posting on X: “Men should not beat up women. Full stop. No excuses.”
Labour MP Stella Creasy also criticised the comments, saying efforts to tackle domestic abuse should not be tied to football results.
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“Domestic abuse rises whether England loses or wins at football.
“Tackling that shouldn’t depend on the score line but the seriousness with which we take violence against women and ending the culture of misogyny that enables it.
“With views like this Reform continue to show they are part of the problem not the solution.”
Social Media Users Condemn Football And Domestic Abuse Link
The post also prompted criticism from social media users, many of whom objected to the way the issue was framed.
Several described the comments as “the most tone deaf thing”, while others labelled them “horrific” and “unbelievable”.
The debate comes amid continued efforts by campaigners and politicians to address violence against women and girls, with domestic abuse remaining a major public policy concern across the UK.
See some reactions below:
This is fucking horrific. Pochin telling England to keep winning so blokes don’t batter their wives, instead of telling abusers not to abuse.
Can’t believed what I have just watched. https://t.co/PiMKixBRkn
— Curtis Daly (@CurtisDaly_) June 18, 2026
I think this might be the most tone deaf thing I’ve seen in fifteen years on this website. https://t.co/S917YtupWb
— Rebecca Reid (@RebeccaCNReid) June 18, 2026
I mean, there is another take on this, but no, let’s place the responsibility on the footballers. Unbelievable. https://t.co/piOehgXMEx
— Keith Burge (@carryonkeith) June 18, 2026
It’s not the responsibility of a football team to stop men hitting women.
It’s the responsibility of men to not hit women. https://t.co/MpbRbZnJwO
— Jay McKenna (@JayMcKenna87) June 18, 2026
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