Naples, Italy – The Napoli Women football club has issued a strong open letter condemning a serious incident of sexist and homophobic abuse directed at its Under 17 female players by male Under 14/15 players from the Don Guanella di Scampia team. The abuse occurred after a friendly match between the two youth teams on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
Details of the Disturbing Incident
According to the club’s statement, after the 4-2 final score, some of the young male footballers, reportedly as young as thirteen, posted sexist and homophobic insults on social media, accompanied by photos and alleged celebrations in the locker rooms. The female players, who are also minors, reported receiving further private harassment and degrading comments.
The Napoli Women club stated, “Our girls were subjected to sexist and homophobic insults that have nothing to do with sport. Vulgar phrases, explicit allusions, comments about their bodies, and noises imitating sexual acts.” The club described the incident as a “wound” that affects young athletes who believe in the values of sport every day.
A Call for Education, Not Just Punishment
The club emphasized that this was not merely playful banter, stating, “If today’s young people speak like this, it means that we adults – clubs, coaches, families, institutions – are not doing enough.” Beyond public condemnation, Napoli Women has issued an appeal for education. The club has officially invited the involved club, coaches, and players to participate in a day at an anti-violence and anti-discrimination center. This initiative is framed “not to punish, but to offer a real opportunity for awareness.”
The final message from the club is directed at its young female footballers: “You are not alone. Let’s turn this shameful episode into a turning point, to build a safer and more inclusive football.”
Community Reaction and Future Steps
This incident has sparked significant discussion within the local football community and beyond, highlighting the ongoing challenges of sexism and homophobia in sports, even at youth levels. The call for educational intervention rather than solely punitive measures has been widely praised as a constructive approach to address deep-seated issues.
The club’s proactive stance aims to foster a more respectful and inclusive environment for all young athletes. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of promoting sportsmanship, respect, and equality from an early age. It is anticipated that the proposed visit to an anti-violence and anti-discrimination center will provide valuable insights and foster greater understanding among the young male players involved.
The Napoli Women’s official Instagram account also shared a post regarding the incident, further amplifying their message and garnering support from the wider community. The club remains committed to supporting its players and advocating for a safer sporting landscape.
Source: Napolicalcionews.it
