It's not just about the football!

Not flower related, although it kind of is!

Anyone, regardless of race, colour, gender or sexual orientation can be an abuser - both physically and mentally - just as anyone (including some of the toughest people) can find themselves in an abusive relationship.

I shared a post at the beginning of England’s World Cup 2026 campaign highlighting how domestic abuse and violence can rise exponentially during/after a football game. The figures are genuinely staggering. A 38% increase when England Lose, but still a 26% increase when they win! This isn't idle gossip or speculation; it's a proven fact. 

Tonight’s game is primarily a football match, but I've seen/spoken to Scottish people who will be cheering us on; if we were playing anyone else that would never happen. It shows that tonight’s game is so very much more than just football. 

A result of this means that tensions, stresses and emotions which would be running high anyway due to it being a world cup semi-final, will be heightened even more. Add in alcohol - pubs will be open, social clubs will have their big screens, people will be watching on projectors in their gardens (or will that just be me?) - and you have a potentially explosive situation brewing. 

If you know or suspect someone of being an abuser, or who has the potential to be one after a few drinks, or highly strung emotions, maybe have a quiet word, keep them away from home if you can until they've calmed down and are on a non-violent level. If you think/suspect someone you know is living with an abuser please reach out to them, keep an eye on them, and do anything you can to remove them from the situation they are in, even if it's just for tonight. Remind them there are options and people out there who are willing to, and can help them to escape the situation they are in.

Nobody, NOBODY, deserves to suffer abuse at the hands of another at any time, but specifically not because of a football game. 

I sent out way too many apology bouquets on Monday as a result of Saturdays game which was very nondescript and not in any way volatile. Tonight’s may be a boring game, it may be nondescript football, but there will still be that simmering underbelly of history, some of which has nothing to do with football (those of us old enough will remember, will most likely have had friends/family who were a major part of it - I know I did) bubbling away just below the surface. If/WHEN that explodes in an abuser there will be no respite for the abusee. That's why people need to discuss these things before kick-off. 

If you are dealing with domestic abuse and are afraid to reach out to a friend or family member, call the National Domestic Abuse helpline on 0800 2000 247

Don't wait until it is too late, and please, as much as I love to receive orders from customers, don't make me send out any apology ones tomorrow!