A Bolton domestic violence charity has said that football losses do not always account for spikes in domestic abuse nor does the sport cause it.

Gill Smallwood, CEO of refuge Fortalice, said: “Football tournaments can intensify existing domestic abuse.

“But we’re really clear that they do not cause it”.

Women’s Aid ‘No More Years of Hurt’ campaign cites Lancaster University’s 2013 study that showed domestic abuse increases 38 per cent when England loses and 26 per cent when it wins.

In response, Gill said: “I question how big that spike is. The percentages are not terribly large”.

She said that the football result is not necessarily the reason for domestic violence increases after a game.

Gill said: “There can be any stimulus, whether football or something else”.

England’s loss in the 2024 Euros did not see more people suffering domestic abuse coming to Fortalice’s refuge.

Gill said: “For us, the high-risk cases that came in were no different than the week before.

“It can vary, but there are usually 12 or 18.

“We don’t get to see all cases, but we didn’t have any more calls”.

Gill said: “We acknowledge that existing abuse can intensify, but that is due to people’s emotions running high.

“We encourage the public to look after people and check for signs of domestic abuse and signpost them to the right places”.  

If you or someone you know are fearing domestic abuse, you can call Fortalice’s 24 hour support line 01204 365677 or visit fortalice.org.uk