Discrimination in English football has reached record levels, from grassroots to the professional game. At the same there is rising concern about the tone of debate around immigration and identity within the sport, fuelled earlier this year by contentious comments from Manchester United’s co-owner Jim Ratcliffe. Samuel Okafor, chief executive of anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out and a former professional footballer, tells journalist Kitty Melrose about the scale of the problem, potential reforms and why the game faces a crucial moment for change.

Some individuals can feel

A fan who was convicted of shouting a homophobic slur at a football ground tells BBC Sport why he wants to make amends.