February is the international month of ‘Football v Homophobia’ (FvH) and Bradford City is proud to support the initiative.
FvH is a campaign to unite fans, players, communities, grassroots teams, professional clubs and the football authorities in opposing homophobia and prejudice against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB&T) people in football. The FA, The Premier League and The Football League back the initiative.
Staring in 2010 and for every year since, FvH has been enabling people to take action against prejudice and discrimination based on sexuality or gender identity in football and to celebrate and welcome diversity in the game. The work each year culminates in an international show of support in February to raise awareness of the issue and to showcase new and existing work.
Football supporters will be aware that in 1990, Justin Fashanu was the first professional footballer to come out as being gay and more recently Robbie Rogers and Thomas Hitzlsperger have done the same. All three players struggled to deal with jokes and language relating to their sexuality which had an impact on their self-esteem and confidence. But the problem is not just about those who have the strength to come out as being gay; many heterosexual players face jibes and abuse that has a connation about their sexuality just because they are having a bad game or make a mistake on the field.
Bradford City has done excellent work in the past with its days of action alongside the Just a Ball Game? campaign and by flying the rainbow flag at all games this season to signify it is an inclusive and open Club. We want to welcome players and fans to the Club irrespective of their race, gender, colour, religion or sexuality. Supporters can help with this approach by not using language, chants and songs that attempt to highlight perceived or actual differences.
www.bit.ly/fvhpage or support the campaign by liking the Facebook page at@FvHTweets or on Twitter www.footballvhomophobia.comCampaigns such as Football v Homophobia will always be based on education. To keep up-to-date, you can find out more at the campaign’s website at
Thank you for your support of this important campaign.