DOZENS of community activists will post leaflets through doors surrounding the Emirates Stadium next week in a fight against racism in football.

The Islington branch of Stand up to Racism intend to oppose the racism and misogyny in women’s football, and have planned the event in honour of Black History Month.

They said that recent incidents involving Jess Carter, Lauren James and Jess Naz had brought into full view just how entrenched racism in the sport was, and stressed that “we will not allow the far-right or those who incite violence online or otherwise to divide us”.

Charity Kick It Out has noted a surge in reports of online hate, recording 1,398 discrimination incidents in the 2024/25 season. Almost half of the abuse was racism, and transphobic abuse has doubled.

Ricole Marshall-Appleby, an Arsenal fan who supports the leafletting event, said that her club should be held up as an example to others.

She added: “Arsenal is one of the most open-minded clubs, which is why they have so many black, female and queer supporters.

“During their peak in the Ian Wright days, they had the most black players of any team, which is why we supported them even though we weren’t from north London”.

The mass leafletting action comes after a summer marked by far-right protests outside asylum hotels throughout London.

Maia Garcia, from Stand Up To Racism, said: “The summer has seen worrying protests outside hotels housing refugees, encouraged by the recent Unite the Kingdom substantial demonstration of hate in central London in September organised by fascist Tommy Robinson and other hard right racist outfits.”

She added: “Their stark racist message is that refugee men pose a serious sexual threat to women and children. But sexual abuse is everywhere.

“Racism and misogyny is a growing issue in women’s football, particularly online.

“High-profile incidents have brought the problem into the spotlight, prompting action from players, clubs, and governing bodies.”

The leafletting session follows a vigil held on Sunday outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in Old Street.

The hotel, which currently houses asylum seekers but will close in November, was the site of an arson attack last week.

Hackney North MP Diane Abbott was among those dressed in pink protesting against the “pink ladies” of the far-right.