United Kingdom: CFWIJ condemns the on-field harassment faced by Mellisa Reddy

March 23, 2021- Senior football correspondent for The Independent, Melissa Reddy, shared her harrowing experience with harassment and assault on the field. In her recent article, the journalist recalled how she was subjected to two deplorable incidents in a single day on February 28, 2016, at Wembley stadium. The pervasive objectification of women journalists in sports reporting has long been overlooked. While women journalists usually brush these incidents off, Melissa believes the murder of Sarah Everard proves the need to discuss the issue of women’s safety, journalists included. CFWIJ calls on regulatory bodies to address the discrimination women reporters face in the field to ensure a safe working environment.

On February 28, 2016, in the span of a few hours, Melissa’s personal space was invaded twice. Melissa recalled that after the second incident of harassment, she called her manager and explained why there would be no video, describing it as “one of those days”. Melissa confessed she felt stupid for being unable to finish her job. Knowing that there were already few female football writers, she wanted to succeed with her match coverage. The journalist shared how women journalists are under constant scrutiny, whether it is on the field or off the field. It is naturally expected from women sports journalists to tame their behavior, not drink on a trip, or avoid night matches. Often, women reporters have to answer uncomfortable questions about conduct and salary comparisons to male colleagues. 

Melissa also described an incident where a picture of her at a post-award ceremony was quoted out of context. A tabloid wanted to write a romanticized, fictional story based on a single picture. Melissa will not forget what happened that day in 2016 at Wembley Stadium. When she mentors young journalists, Melissa attests to the measures women are taught to remain safe: not to drive alone or in the dark, not to walk alone through a parking lot in the dark. These are silent steps women must take daily to ensure their safety. According to her, anyone can be subjected to hateful trolling on Twitter and stalking on Instagram, but nothing compares to what women journalists suffer on the field. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is alarmed by the recent details of harassment of women journalists in the sports world. We offer our support and solidarity to Melissa Reddy and demand action be taken against such misconduct. We encourage the U.K. government officials to ensure a safe working environment for women journalists and women in general. The harassment and incidents of assault endured by women reporters must be addressed by law enforcement, and the perpetrators held responsible.