Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin has faced criticism after suggesting that England’s success in the World Cup is linked to levels of domestic abuse. Pochin, the representative for Runcorn and Helsby, made her remarks in a brief video posted on social media following England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia in their opening World Cup match.

In the message, Pochin stated that when England loses football matches, domestic violence incidents increase, urging the team to keep winning to prevent such rises. “England won the football last night, and thank goodness they did,” she said, adding, “Because on the occasions that England lose their football matches, the incidences of domestic violence go through the roof. So boys, keep winning.”

Her comments drew swift condemnation from domestic abuse charities. Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women’s Aid, challenged the implication that football outcomes cause domestic abuse. She noted that abuse is a conscious choice made by perpetrators independent of match results. While research indicates that domestic abuse incidents may increase during sporting championships, this trend occurs regardless of whether the team wins or loses. Nazeer emphasized that domestic abuse is a pattern of repeated and escalating behaviour, not triggered by a single event such as a football match. She added: “Whether England wins, loses or draws, no woman or child should live in fear of that final whistle blow.”

A spokesperson for Refuge echoed these concerns, describing Pochin’s remarks as misleading and inappropriate. The charity warned that attributing domestic abuse to football results could enable perpetrators to dodge responsibility. “Football is never an excuse for domestic abuse, and perpetrators cannot continue to be shielded by the myth that football directly causes abuse,” the spokesperson said, while acknowledging that major sports tournaments can sometimes exacerbate existing abusive behaviour, which occurs throughout the year and is often underreported.

The Education Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities, Bridget Phillipson, responded directly to Pochin’s comments, stating bluntly: “Men should not beat up women. Full stop. No excuses.”

The controversy comes amid further scrutiny of Reform UK, following offensive social media posts linked to Robert Kenyon, the party’s candidate in the Makerfield by-election. Kenyon’s deleted posts included derogatory remarks about broadcaster Carol Vorderman. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage downplayed the incident as “a few laddish things” from over ten years ago.

Reform UK has been contacted for comment regarding Pochin’s statements.