(Photo credit should read OLLY GREENWOOD/AFP via Getty Images)
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.
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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