Next Tuesday’s game at home to Gillingham is our designated Football v Homophobia fixture as part of the EFL’s FvH Month of Action.
Working alongside Rainbow Spireites, the club’s official LGBTQ+ supporters group, we are actively striving to make football a more welcoming place for everyone.
Results of a recent survey found 74% of all respondents said they had experienced or heard anti-LGBTQ+ abuse when watching football.
Less than a quarter of those said they had reported the incidents, suggesting a lack of confidence or awareness of available reporting channels.
But this type of discrimination doesn’t just impact LGBTQ+ people.
Using homophobic or transphobic language, or putting someone down because of their gender just because you don’t like the way they play football, manage a team, make a refereeing decision or because of who they support, is wrong.
It’s against the laws of the game and can be a criminal offence, but more importantly, it can make football an intimidating and unpleasant place for fellow fans, players and match officials.
An increase in hateful language and abuse on social media, in the stands and at grassroots football in recent years means that we all need to make sure that we stand up to homophobia and transphobia in the game.
Through-out Football v Homophobia Month and beyond, please help Chesterfield FC and Rainbow Spireites by standing up to prejudice and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in the game.
Remember, doing nothing only allows discrimination to get worse.
Together we can make football a welcoming place for everyone.
