November 14 – The English Premier League and Football League have agreed a three-year collaboration with Stonewall, the UK’s leading charity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues, to promote equality in football.
As part of the agreement, member clubs will work with the charity to encourage LGBT people to get involved in the sport in any capacity.
Richard Scudamore, executive chairman of the Premier League, said: “Premier League football is for everyone, everywhere and our clubs are committed to equality and diversity at all levels of the sport.
“We view the LGBT community as an integral part of our community and, working with Stonewall, we want this partnership to improve the experience of LGBT people already playing football, and supporting clubs, and to signal to others who might be interested in getting involved, that they are welcome to do so.”
A major focus of the partnership will involve combatting homophobic abuse that occurs both in stadiums and on social media.
Ruth Hunt, chief executive of Stonewall, added: “This is an important milestone for football, and for sport. The Premier League have stepped up and demonstrated how committed they are to helping make football inclusive and welcoming of LGBT people. “
As part of the arrangement, rainbow-coloured corner flags will be used at every lower-league ground while rainbow-coloured captain’s armbands will be used across the entire professional game.
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