The striking image of Japanese supporters staying behind after a World Cup match to clear litter from the stands has prompted a group of British women to call for a similar initiative in the United Kingdom. The incident, which occurred during Japan’s opening match against Germany, has been widely circulated on social media, drawing contrast with the litter-strewn scenes often observed at British sporting events.
The group, known as “We Can Do It UK”, issued a statement on Tuesday urging British football fans to emulate the Japanese example. “We should take pride in our stadiums and our country,” said spokesperson Helen Thompson. “If Japanese fans can do it, so can we.” The organisation has launched a campaign titled “Clean Sweep” ahead of next week’s Women’s World Cup qualifier between England and Norway at Wembley Stadium.
Japanese fan behaviour has become a talking point during this World Cup. Spectators have been seen bringing rubbish bags to matches and cleaning up after themselves, a cultural norm in Japan where civic responsibility is highly valued. In contrast, British football grounds have a reputation for post-match mess, with piles of cups, food wrappers, and discarded programmes left behind.
The UK government has not commented on the campaign, but the Football Association (FA) acknowledged the sentiment. A spokesperson said: “We always encourage fans to respect the stadium and each other. We welcome any initiative that promotes responsible behaviour.” Environmental campaigners have also praised the effort, with Greenpeace UK calling it “a small but meaningful step” towards reducing plastic waste at sporting events.
Critics, however, have pointed out that British fans do not always have the same infrastructure as Japanese stadiums, where recycling bins are abundant and clear instructions are provided. Others argue that the onus should be on venue operators to provide adequate facilities rather than solely on fans. Nonetheless, the “Clean Sweep” campaign has gained traction online, with thousands pledging to take part.
The broader context is one of rising environmental consciousness in the UK. Recent surveys show that more than two-thirds of Britons are concerned about plastic pollution, and major sporting events are increasingly seen as opportunities to model sustainable behaviour. The Women’s World Cup qualifier may therefore serve as a test case for wider changes in fan culture.
As the match approaches, the question remains whether British fans can rise to the occasion. If they do, it could mark a shift in the culture of attendance at UK sporting events. If not, the contrast with Japanese supporters will remain a source of embarrassment, and the campaign may fizzle out. Either way, the conversation has started, and it is one that reflects deeper questions about national pride, civic duty, and the role of sport in shaping behaviour.
