Former women’s football manager banned for 12 years over sexual misconduct
A former women’s football manager has been banned from all football-related activity for 12 years after sending sexually explicit images of himself to players and a member of staff, reports BritPanorama.
Ryan Hamilton, previously the manager of Sutton Coldfield Town Women’s, utilized Snapchat and WhatsApp to send intimate photographs and videos to women at the club. Following a hearing, the Football Association found him guilty of 23 out of 24 charges related to improper conduct, which included sending sexually explicit material.
In addition to sharing lewd content, Hamilton made repeated sexual propositions, suggesting encounters in various locations, including the club’s changing room. Five women, consisting of four players and one staff member, reported his behaviour to the Birmingham County FA in October 2024, providing credible evidence spanning two years.
The panel learned that Hamilton’s conduct included kissing one player in her car after a club presentation, while telling another that he would “turn her straight” if they slept together. He promised one player an encounter in the office if she “scored the winner” in an upcoming match. Such behaviour contributed to a toxic atmosphere where players felt belittled and humiliated, with some reconsidering their positions within the club.
Witnesses described Hamilton’s actions as aggressive and bullying, transcending sexual harassment to create an oppressive environment. Players expressed concerns that reporting such conduct could lead to retaliation, such as being dropped from the team; one victim stated she became so frightened that she was “ready to quit football and give up” entirely.
This misconduct occurred between May 2022 and November 2024, when Hamilton left the club. The FA’s regulatory commission concluded that he had shown no remorse for his actions, stating he “seems to have absolutely no insight into the effect of his conduct.” Chair Jane Bickerstaff KC emphasized that he had abused his position of trust and misused his power in a manner deemed “misogynistic and sexually inappropriate.”
Hamilton’s failure to engage with the investigation and his partial termination of an interview with the FA were notable aspects of his defence, wherein he simply noted he was “not proud” of his actions. The regulatory commission determined that immediate suspension from all football activity was warranted, highlighting the need for women to participate in football without facing such misconduct.
In a sport that thrives on camaraderie and mutual respect, this case is a stark reminder of the shadows still lurking, showing how swiftly the spirit of the game can be undermined by those in positions of authority.
