Wembley Stadium to be lit up in gay pride flag colours as all Premier League teams back anti-homophobia campaign

Two thirds of football fans say more should be done to make LGBT people feel accepted
Amy Ashenden20 January 2017

Every Premier League club has backed a new campaign to stamp out homophobia in sport that will see Wembley Stadium lit up in the colours of the gay pride flag.

All Premier League games this week will open with a giant rainbow flag and perimeter adverts at all matches will include messages supporting the Rainbow Laces campaign.

The campaign, led by LGBT rights organisation Stonewall, kicks off as a recent study found 72 per cent of football fans have heard homophobic abuse at a live sports event.

Almost two thirds said more should be done to make LGBT people feel accepted in sport.

The campaign hopes to tackle homophobia in sport
Stonewall

The campaign video, featuring former England player Casey Stoney and former Team GB canoeist Matt Lister, aims to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender players and fans and prove that ‘sport is everyone’s game’.

Supporting the campaign: Former England and Team GB women’s football captain Casey Stoney
Stonewall

Teams including Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool will don rainbow laces as they play this week, and the Wembley Stadium Arch will be lit up in rainbow colours on Saturday November 26 in a bid to raise awareness of homophobia in sport.

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

Rainbow Laces
Stonewall

“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.”

The campaign has also been backed by the English Football League and the FA, as well as the Rugby Football Union.

Stonewall’s chief executive, Ruth Hunt, said: “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.”

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