Reform MP branded irresponsible for linking England World Cup wins to domestic abuse levels

Sarah Pochin, the Reform MP for Runcorn and Helsby, has been condemned by domestic abuse charities and political opponents after suggesting England’s football results directly influence the rate of domestic violence incidents.

Pochin posted a short video on social media the day after England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia in their World Cup opener. “England won the football last night, and thank goodness they did,” she said. “Because on the occasions that England lose their football matches, the incidences of domestic violence go through the roof. So boys, keep winning.”

Women’s Aid chief executive Farah Nazeer was among the first to respond, calling the remarks irresponsible. “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,” she said. “Research tells us that domestic abuse does rise during championships, but this is the case whether the team wins or loses.”

Nazeer added that abuse is a pattern of behaviour that repeats and escalates over time, not something triggered by a single result. “Whether England wins, loses or draws, no woman or child should live in fear of that final whistle blow.”

The charity Refuge described Pochin’s post as “highly inappropriate” and warned it could allow perpetrators to evade accountability. “This is not only misleading, but could allow perpetrators to evade accountability,” a Refuge spokesperson said. “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.”

Refuge acknowledged that major sports tournaments can exacerbate pre-existing abusive behaviours, but stressed that abuse occurs throughout the year, often hidden and unreported, and that no external event can be used as justification.

Pochin’s political opponents also criticised her publicly over the video, though her own party had not issued a formal response at the time of publication.