The report says the commission has begun hearings examining how antisemitism spreads online and whether technology companies are doing enough to stop hateful material reaching large audiences.
Football clubs, leagues and fan groups occupy that same digital space. Social media is vital for building communities, but it can also give extremists a ready-made audience. Jewish players, supporters and communities should not be expected to navigate that abuse alone, particularly when online conspiracies spill into stadiums, forums or club channels.
The responsibility does not rest solely with victims to report and withdraw. Clubs must make clear that antisemitism is not “banter”, while governing bodies need consistent standards for moderation, education and sanctions.
Richard Lancaster told the hearing that some major platforms had been slow and unclear in their response to online hate. Other companies, he said, had been “much less forthcoming”.
That scrutiny matters to football because platforms shape what supporters see, share and discuss. If outrage is rewarded with greater reach, hateful content can become embedded in the daily conversation around clubs and competitions before moderators respond.
Wells has argued for stronger action over online harm, including a proposed digital duty of care. Whether that produces meaningful change will depend on enforcement, transparency and the willingness of companies to act before abuse becomes a crisis.
Football’s next test will come not only in the stands, but across the digital channels surrounding every major fixture. As the hearings continue, clubs and supporters will have to decide whether online safety is treated as a public-relations issue-or as part of the game’s basic duty of care.