2023-08-20 18:55:03

Permi Jhooti, Woman Who Inspired Bend It Like Beckham, on the World Finally Waking Up to Women's Football
Jhooti, who served as an inspiration for the film "Bend It Like Beckham," is delighted by the lack of tribalism at this year's World Cup, with fans of opposing teams peacefully sitting together. She hopes that rivalries won't taint women's football, expressing her desire for a fair game without unnecessary aggression. While intense rivalries in men's football can sometimes lead to violence and misogyny, Jhooti believes that self-policing within the crowd can help reduce these issues.

Challenges Faced by Women in Football
Jhooti acknowledges that women's football has seen improvement in terms of fan behavior since the dark days of hooliganism, but she has personally experienced shocking abuse that makes her question the environment surrounding the sport. Despite this, she remains resilient and believes in addressing the issue by confronting those who engage in abusive behavior. She shares anecdotal experiences of defying threats and challenging individuals who exhibit misogyny during matches.

Jhooti believes that eliminating sexism, racism, and homophobia from football is possible through the collective effort of the crowd and self-policing. She shares instances where individuals have confronted offensive behavior and emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for all fans.

Mason Greenwood's Controversy
Jhooti raises concerns over cases like Mason Greenwood, where financial and sporting interests seem to take precedence over addressing unacceptable behavior. As the Manchester United player's future hangs in the balance following the discontinuation of charges against him, Jhooti questions whether the sporting success of a player outweighs the need for accountability. She highlights the risk of outrage fading away if a player continues to perform well, regardless of their actions.
Diversity in Women's Football
Jhooti also addresses the lack of racial diversity within the England squad and the wider issue within women's football. She points out that less than 10% of top-level female footballers come from diverse ethnic backgrounds, compared to 43% of male players in the Premier League. Jhooti questions whether the current representation of women's football reflects the true diversity of the sport and raises the need for increased visibility for black women in football.
Regarding the marketing of women's football, Jhooti expresses her frustration with the fixation on feminine stereotypes. She recalls instances where women footballers were dressed up in glamorous attire for photoshoots, which she found off-putting as it didn't represent the true essence of the sport.
If you would like to know other articles similar to The Inspiring Story Behind Bend It Like Beckham: How Permi Jhooti Empowered Women's Football Worldwide updated this year 2025 you can visit the category Entertainment news.
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