Getting homophobia off the pitch – Premier League team up with Stonewall

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Getting homophobia off the pitch – Premier League team up with Stonewall

13:46 24th November 2016 by Josh Withey

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Photo © John Peters / Man Utd

Rainbow laces will take over pitches this weekend to show support for LGBT players and fans.

The Premier League, Premiership Rugby, Football Association, English Football League and Rugby Football Union are teaming up with the LGBT organisation Stonewall this weekend to show to players and fans that homophobia has no place in sport.

Recent research for the LGBT charity revealed that football fans were the most likely of all fans to be exposed to homophobic language at sporting events. Of those responding to the research, 72% reported hearing homophobic abuse while watching live sports in the past five years.

It’s with these worrying statistics in mind that Stonewall and Team Pride’s Rainbow Laces campaign is needed, now more than ever. The simple act of wearing them or promoting the campaign raises awareness of the damage homophobia can have in a sporting environment.

At every Premier League fixture this weekend advertising will include Rainbow Laces messaging and every game will be opened with a giant Premier League Rainbow Laces flag. Team members are going to be wearing Rainbow Laces during training and extra pairs will be handed out during meet ups and clubs.

“The Premier League is all about exciting, passionate and unpredictable football that is for everyone, everywhere,” said Premier League Executive Chairman, Richard Scudamore.

“The Rainbow Laces campaign complements the work clubs are doing to promote inclusion and diversity in their stadiums, and across all levels of the sport. Our support for the campaign, and the decision to become members of Team Pride, is further recognition that the LGBT community is a vital and integral part of our community.”

While Stonewall’s Chief Executive said: “The research we released earlier this year gave a clear indication of what needed to happen for sport to become more inclusive. research we made it clear that if things were going to change we would need the support from across sport. It’s crucial for organisations like the Premier League, the Football Association and the Rugby Premiership to show they welcome lesbian, gay, bi and trans people. At the moment, many LGBT people want to take part in sport, either as players or fans, but the abuse and hate from a minority of fans can make them feel unsafe, unwelcome or unable to be themselves.

“We know the majority of sports fans want a better, more inclusive game. This campaign is about encouraging people to step up and say they will not stand for abuse and the support of football and rugby clubs and associations is crucial because it gives people the confidence to do that.”

 

For more information go to stonewall.org.uk/sport

 

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Getting homophobia off the pitch – Premier League team up with Stonewall