sexual attacks blamed on fans October 05, 2008 12:01am Article from: Font size: + - Send this article: Print Email
Groupies seduce football players, women say "Throw themselves" at football stars Viewed as responsible for alleged rapes
FEMALE football supporters blame predatory fans for seducing high-profile players accused of sexual misconduct.
Startling Australian research reveals groupies who "throw themselves" at footballers in nightclubs are viewed as responsible for inciting alleged rapes and sexual assaults.
Sydney and Melbourne supporters in the study also identified alcohol, high testosterone levels and team culture as contributing to sexual aggression.
The findings come three weeks after three Brisbane Broncos players were accused of sexual assault in a nightclub toilet.
A rape charge against Wests Tigers star Anthony Laffranchi was dropped earlier this year and Canterbury Bulldogs players were embroiled in an alleged gang rape in 2004.
"When asked about how allegations of sexual assault against footballers may arise, several women identified women's desire to sleep with celebrity players as a possible cause," the study authors wrote.
"While the respondents universally condemned sexual violence, some reasoned it could be an outcome ofmoves initiated by the victims."
Fans believed other women wanted to sleep with well-known footballers to build their own reputations, bragging to friends "if they did score with any".
The Deakin University study, Rogue Men And Predatory Women, was co-authored by Dr Kim Toffoletti.
