A shocking case has hit women's football in England, after the English Football Association (FA) sentenced a former coach of a fourth-tier team to a 12-year suspension.
Ryan Hamilton was found guilty of sending explicit messages, photos and videos to players and a member of staff, according to a decision published by the FA after a disciplinary hearing last month.
According to documents released (via the BBC), Hamilton used social media platforms Snapchat and WhatsApp to send pictures of his genitals and videos of himself performing sexual acts. He also repeatedly made sexual advances to female players, including in the club's changing rooms and offices.
The disciplinary panel found that his behaviour was not only sexual in nature but also psychologically abusive. Hamilton was described as a coach with an aggressive and bullying management style, humiliating and belittling players to the point that some of them refused to continue representing the club.
Five women, including four players, submitted complaints in October 2024, providing what the FA described as "credible and convincing evidence" of a two-year period of abuse.
Hamilton denied the allegations, but did not fully cooperate with the investigation and ended his interview with the FA before it was completed.
The regulatory commission noted that he showed “no reflection, remorse or awareness” of the harm caused. As a result, 23 of the 24 allegations of inappropriate behavior were upheld.
The panel's chair, Jane Bickerstaff KC, said Hamilton had been in a position of trust and authority over the players, which he had abused in a misogynistic and sexually unacceptable manner. She added that an immediate ban from all footballing activity was the only appropriate measure.
Hamilton left Sutton Coldfield Town Women in November 2024. The case has now been closed, while the FA's punishment sends a strong message that such behaviour will not be tolerated in football.Telegrafi
