FA to show anti-homophobia film at matches
September 18th, 2009
The head of the UK Football Association (FA) has promised that challenging homophobia at football matches will be a priority for 2010.
Key to the drive to challenging homophobia on the pitch and in the terraces will be a short film with an anti-homophobia message which will be broadcast at matches.
A Stonewall report published in August 2009 revealed that 70% of football supporters have witnessed homophobic abuse at games. There are currently no openly gay footballers in the FA.
“We remain committed to challenging all forms of discrimination in football and making the game open to all,” said Lord Triesman, head of the FA.
“We have been working closely with both Kick It Out and the Professional Footballers’ Association on producing a film that has a strong anti-homophobia message and look forward to premiering this in the new year.”
Peter Tatchell of gay group OutRage! cautiously welcomed the news. “Progress has been slow and frustrating,” said Tatchell.
“The goodwill seems to be there, but the FA’s delivery has been patchy. The FA should impose fines and match suspensions on players and managers who use anti-gay insults. We want clubs that fail to act against homophobic chants to face fines and, in extreme cases, match suspensions or point deductions.”
“The FA now says it is committed to renew its efforts, which is good news.”
The FA’s Tackling Homophobia Working Group, which has been dormant for a year, partly due to FA staff changes, will be reconvened in mid October.
Forgive me my cynicism, but showing a film seems to be more about being seen to be doing something than actually doing something.
Josy ∼ September 20th, 2009 7:27 pm