NIFL Launches Campaign Against Violence Towards Women
The Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) has initiated an awareness campaign titled #NotInOurGame, aimed at combating violence against women. Teams are being encouraged to post photos on their social media platforms using the hashtag #NotInOurGame to support the cause.
Since 2020, 30 women have been violently killed in Northern Ireland. In all but one of these cases, the perpetrator or suspected perpetrator has been male, and in most instances, the man was well known to the victim.
The campaign seeks to leverage the influence of football to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and promote societal responsibility regarding violence against women.
As part of the initiative, fans will be invited to participate in a 30-second applause at the 30th minute during Tuesday's Irish Premiership matches, with similar participation expected during Saturday's Irish Cup and Premiership games.
On Tuesday, a full round of Premiership fixtures will take place, including Larne hosting Coleraine, Cliftonville facing Glentoran, and Dungannon Swifts welcoming Linfield.
Additional matches include Ballymena United versus Glenavon, Crusaders hosting Bangor, and Portadown meeting Carrick Rangers at Shamrock Park.
Clubs across the leagues have also engaged with the campaign by sharing squad photos and player-led content on social media to further highlight the issue affecting communities throughout Northern Ireland.
"The Northern Ireland Football League is encouraging all supporters to play their part by joining the applause and continuing to share the campaign message across social media using #NotInOurGame,"a NIFL statement said.
"Together, the football community can help drive awareness, challenge behaviour and play a role in ending violence against women."
Strong Response Across Northern Ireland Football
Teams from all leagues in Northern Ireland have been actively participating in the campaign.
NIFL chief executive Gerard Lawlor has commended the powerful response to the campaign and urged continued involvement.
"The response to #NotInOurGame has been incredibly powerful. Across our clubs, players and supporters, we are seeing the football community come together to send a clear message that violence against women has no place in our game or in society,"Lawlor stated.
"Football has a unique ability to bring people together, and we are proud to use our platform to raise awareness and drive meaningful change.
"The support we have received so far shows just how important this issue is, and we encourage everyone attending matches this week to take part in the 30th minute applause and stand with us."
