Force appoints UK’s first football hate crime officer

14 January 2021

A response PC who was racially abused as a child has become the first football hate crime officer not just in the Force but in the UK.

PC Stuart Ward, who has been a response officer for 12 years, will improve the ability to investigate offences against players and fans. He suffered racial abuse as a young footballer so understands the emotional impact it can have. He also believes his experience will enable him to support victims.

“I’m mixed race and remember being 11-years-old and playing football for a junior side,” the 34-year-old explained, “Abuse came from another player and the thing that stuck with me was how no one did anything about it, other than my Mum who stopped the game and took me off the pitch.

“So having been subjected to discrimination, I know the feelings and the impact it can have on you so I feel I’m in a position where I can offer help and support but also take action against those involved.”

Stuart’s pioneering role will include investigating complaints of hate crime linked to football, monitoring online interactions and working with the region’s clubs at both professional and amateur level to highlight what is an offence and the importance of reporting it.

He will also visit schools to educate children around discrimination and work with the West Midlands Police football unit to monitor any offences when stadiums re-open following the pandemic.

Stuart added: “Hate crime includes abuse connected to race, sexual orientation, disability, religion or gender. We need to change this culture. We’re a multi-cultural society and it’s important we educate people around hate crime to stop it happening.

I’m proud to have been given the role as dedicated football hate crime officer. I enjoy the game and want everyone else, whatever their background, to feel comfortable in doing so too."

Follow @FootballUnitWMP for updates from Stuart and the rest of the football unit.