Domestic abuse charities criticise female Reform MP for saying England need to keep winning at the World Cup to reduce violence

A Reform England MP has been branded ‘irresponsible’ for suggesting England’s football team should keep winning games at the World Cup to avoid a spike in domestic violence cases.

Sarah Pochin, the Reform MP for Runcorn and Helsby, made the claim in a short video message posted on social media the day after England won their first World Cup match 4-2 against Croatia.

‘England won the football last night and thank God they did,’ he said.

Ms Pochin added: ‘Because cases of domestic violence go through the roof when England lose football matches. So guys, keep winning.’

Among those criticizing Ms Pochin’s remarks were leading charities supporting victims of domestic violence.

Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women’s Aid, said: ‘Football does not cause domestic violence; it’s a choice the abuser makes over and over again, regardless of whether a team wins or loses the game.

‘Research tells us that domestic violence increases during championships, but that’s the case whether the team wins or loses.

‘It is irresponsible to suggest that the team’s success is responsible for whether a man commits domestic abuse or not.

Harry Kane scores the second goal during the World Cup Group L football match between England and Croatia on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas.

‘We also know that this is not something that occurs as a result of a single match, but a pattern of behavior that is repeated and escalated over time.

‘Whether England win, lose or draw, no woman or child should have to live in fear of that final whistle.

‘We hope that through our new campaign we can help raise awareness of this heinous crime while also empowering people to support not only themselves but also the loved ones they are concerned about.’

A spokesperson for the charity Refuge said: ‘Refuge is deeply concerned by Sarah Pochin MP’s deeply inappropriate social media post suggesting England should win more men’s football World Cup matches to reduce domestic violence.

‘Not only is this misleading, it also allows perpetrators to evade accountability.

‘We must be clear: football can never be an excuse for domestic violence and perpetrators cannot continue to be protected by the myth that football directly causes abuse.

‘Although major sports tournaments can worsen pre-existing behavior, abuse often occurs secretly and unreported all year round.

‘Abusers may use football or alcohol consumption as an excuse, but there is never justification for domestic abuse. Only the actions of the abuser are to blame, not external events or circumstances. This is a choice and must be challenged.

‘As the World Cup continues, it is more vital than ever that we change the narrative and give domestic violence the red card. ‘Take action now with Refuge to show your support for survivors.’

Ms Pochin’s political opponents also admonished her over the video.

Responding to Ms Pochin, Education Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson wrote: ‘Men should not beat women. Full stop. ‘There’s no excuse.’

Declan Rice tackles Ivan Perisic during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Croatia at Dallas Stadium on June 17, 2026.

Mario Pasalic and Josip Sutalo try to approach Jude Bellingham during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Croatia at Dallas Stadium on June 17, 2026.

And Mims Davies, the Conservative Party’s former Shadow Minister for Women, wrote of X: ‘Shockingly misjudged. Domestic violence is a crime in the home and should always be treated as such. There are never any excuses.

‘The Reform approach to protecting women is to hope football matches go in the right direction. Then they don’t understand the evidence and, more importantly, this is not a strategy to protect women and girls.’

Reform has come under fire in recent weeks for its candidate in the Makerfield byelection, Robert Kenyon, for past social commentary.

Mr Kenyon used a now-deleted account X to promote an offensive post about Welsh broadcaster Carol Vorderman.

Reform Britain leader Nigel Farage has described his candidate’s past social media use as ‘a few childish things’ that were ‘shared a decade ago’.

This week’s reform campaign promises to strengthen protections for pregnant women and new mothers, making it Britain’s most ‘pro-mother’ party.

The party said that if it came to power, it would pass the ‘Law for the Protection of Women and Maternity’.

The Daily Mail has contacted Sarah Pochin and Reform UK for comment.