‘Your Place Is in the Kitchen’ — Ashleigh Plumptre Fires Back at Sexist Jab Online

Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has publicly responded to an Instagram user who attempted to diminish women’s football with a sexist remark.

The incident unfolded beneath a post by the official Saudi Women’s Premier League account, which celebrated Plumptre and her Al-Ittihad Ladies teammate Lina Boussaha’s impressive displays in the Saudi top flight. The post read:

“ثنائي جديد بـ ألوان @ittihadladiesclub يتألق في ساحة دورينا” (“A new duo in Al-Ittihad colours shining in our league.”)

While many fans applauded that message, one user, @ahmadazizofficial, left a derogatory comment:

“Ronaldo 8???? Lady we are 100% sure your place is in the kitchen, not football field.”

Plumptre, known for standing her ground, replied sharply:

“Actually, Lina Boussaha is an incredible baker.”

Boussaha joined in with her own response:

“Exactly, we cook in the kitchen & on the field.”

Plumptre, formerly of Leicester City and now a vocal advocate for respect and equality in women’s sport, has previously spoken about challenging discrimination on and off the pitch.

Her criticism during international campaigns includes raising concerns over poor conditions experienced by the Super Falcons during duty.

Editorial

We find this episode more than just a social media spat it’s a lens through which one sees the biases still deeply entrenched against female athletes. The suggestion that a woman’s “place” is in the kitchen is not only archaic it is an affront to every female player striving in the face of prejudice.

We believe Ashleigh Plumptre’s response was measured and clever. Rather than respond with anger, she deflected the jibe with a sharp retort that reinforces dignity and pushes back against narrow stereotypes. Lina Boussaha’s own comeback underlines that women can and will compete in every sphere they choose.

This incident illuminates the uphill battle women in sport still face. While male athletes are rarely questioned about their “right” to compete, female players constantly navigate commentary that questions their legitimacy, capacity or place. These attitudes discourage participation, silence voices, and subtly sabotage progress.

We think it is the responsibility of football federations, clubs, and media to create an environment where such comments are not tolerated and where players are supported in standing up. Digital platforms should not be free zones for abuse; there must be clear policies, swift moderation, and actions against persisted harassment.

Young girls watching will tune into how this is handled. If athletes receive backing, it says “we see you, we value you, we will defend you.” If they face silence or dismissal, it reinforces that they must shoulder attacks alone. We choose the former.

Ashleigh Plumptre’s courage in responding sets a positive example. The sport is not only about goals and tackles it is also about respect, equality, and the integrity of competition. The jibe may have been meant to diminish, but she turned it into affirmation.

Did You Know?

1. Ashleigh Plumptre holds the dual distinction of representing England at youth levels before making her senior debut for Nigeria.
2. She plays for Al-Ittihad Ladies in the Saudi Women’s Premier League, a club she joined in 2023.
3. Boussaha, her teammate in Saudi, spent time at Paris Saint-Germain Women between 2016 and 2020.
4. Plumptre is 1.80 m tall, giving her a notable physical presence in defence.
5. She has spoken about safety perceptions, suggesting she feels calmer walking in Jeddah than she might in some parts of the UK.