‘Never an excuse for abuse’ Women's charities condemn Reform MP over ‘irresponsible’ domestic violence claims

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Sarah Pochin posted a short speech onto X in which she encouraged the team to keep up their good form at the tournament because domestic violence "goes through the roof" when England lose.

Thomas Tuchel's side beat Croatia 4-2 in Dallas on Wednesday evening, but Ms Pochin wrote in her caption: "For the sake of women’s safety we need England to keep winning".

Responding to the clip, Refuge said they are "deeply concerned" by the "highly inappropriate" video.

"This is not only misleading, but could allow perpetrators to evade accountability," the charity said. "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.

Women's Aid added: "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."

They added it was "irresponsible" to suggest that a team’s success is responsible for whether a man commits domestic abuse or not.

Ms Pochin's video has also drawn backlash from a number of MPs and celebrities.

Labour's Education Minister, Bridget Phillipson also wrote: "Men should not beat up women. Full stop. No excuses."

Singer Sam Fender even voiced his shock at her take simply by commenting "F*** me".

Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison added: "WHATTTT???? So it's not don't batter your wives and partners lads??? But instead come on Harry Kane, don't give them a reason????'.

Jess Phillips said: "Domestic Abuse spikes by 28% when we win. Football doesn't cause DA it increases the risk."

Carol Vorderman commented: "Whattttt....the message should be 'lock up all cowardly men who beat up women'.

One user replied to Ms Pochin: "Good grief Sarah. This is just mental framing - appalling."

Another said: "Well intentioned or not, this is one of the most awful and unhelpful things an MP could say. Violence against women and girls is a problem, and a serious one. It deserves better than this."

Reform has come under fire in recent weeks for past social comments made by Robert Kenyon, its candidate in the Makerfield by-election.

In a now-deleted X account, Kenyon appeared to support an offensive post about Carol Vorderman.

Leader Nigel Farage dismissed the incident as “a few laddish things”, which were “posted a decade ago”.

Reform UK and Sarah Pochin MP have been approached by LBC for comment.

'Never an excuse for domestic abuse'

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."

'Irresponsible'

Farah Nazeer, CEO at 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.”

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Refuge's 24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available on 0808 2000 247, or you can visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk for support and information."