This weekend will see the SPFL again give their backing to Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign as they look to ‘Make sport everyone’s game’ and end discrimination against LGBTQ+ fans and players.
The campaign aims to make sport more inclusive for LGBT fans and players by raising awareness of anti-LGBT abuse and by asking clubs to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community. Research carried out found that 72% of football fans have heard anti-LGBTQ+ remarks at games over the last five years.
⚽ It's shaping up to be another cracking weekend of #cinchSPFL action! 🔥
📺 @ICTFC v @KilmarnockFC – Live on @BBCScotland -7:45pm Friday.
📺 @dundeeunitedfc v @CelticFC – live on @SkySports – 12pm Sunday.Enjoy your football if you're heading to a game! pic.twitter.com/DfH4RTkPWq
— SPFL (@spfl) December 3, 2021
Clubs and players have been showing their support this week in training with special t-shirts while players will also sport rainbow laces this weekend across the SPFL fixtures.
Neil Doncaster, chief executive of the SPFL, said: “From humble beginnings, Rainbow Laces has become a fixture in the sporting calendar.
“Football is a sport which cuts across all barriers and our clubs’ longstanding support for Rainbow Laces is a tangible demonstration of the sport’s ongoing commitment to equality for everyone.”
Thanks to the support of fans and clubs across the country:
• 78 per cent of sport fans who saw the campaign considered that LGBTQ+ people are part of the sport community
• 66 per cent of fans who saw the campaign feel they have a responsibility to stick up for LGBTQ+ fans of the teams and sports they follow,
• As a result of seeing the campaign, 45 per cent of sports fans believe they would be more likely to challenge anti-LGBTQ+ language at live sport fixtures.
In addition to the SPFL showing support, the Premier League have also been showing their support – while this weekend’s Formula One Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia has also seen a number of drivers publicly lend their backing.
Wearing Rainbow Laces – in person or online – is an important way of showing you support LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport. You can join this show of support by purchasing laces here.
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