Justin Fashanu remains the only English professional footballer to come out as gay
A report from Britain’s leading gay rights campaign group Stonewall, has called for football to take more decisive action on homophobic abuse in football.
The research finds that anti-gay abuse in the sport has been witnessed by seven in ten fans. The research also reveals that fans expect greater action to tackle the problem.
‘Leagues Behind – Football’s failure to tackle anti-gay abuse’ includes a survey of over 2,000 football fans from across Britain and interviews with football insiders and lesbian and gay players.
It finds that:
> Three in five fans believe that anti-gay abuse from fans dissuades gay players from coming out
> Almost two thirds of fans believe football would be a better sport if anti-gay abuse was eradicated
> Two thirds of fans would feel comfortable if a player at their club came out
Recommendations
The report’s recommendations include ensuring that sanctions used against fans who perpetuate anti-gay abuse and violence are consistent with those for racial abuse.
In October 2008, Hampshire Police charged fans with offences of both racist and homophobic abuse after chants directed at Portsmouth player Sol Campbell included the words: “We don’t care if you’re hanging from a tree, cos you’re a Judas ***t with HIV”. 85 per cent of fans polled supported the police action.
Chair of Kick It Out, Lord Herman Ouseley welcomed the research, "It is an issue that many of us recognise as a problem and one that needs greater attention from across the game.
"We are clear that any homophobic abuse that is directed at any player, at any level, is wrong and should be dealt with through the full force of the law.
'Zero tolerance'
"The gay community should know that zero tolerance of homophobia is the only acceptable position.
"Through initiatives such as the Equality Standard for clubs we will continue to build on the progress that has been made and will work with football towards the goal of genuine diversity.”
Gordon Taylor, Chief Executive of the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) added, "The PFA has a zero tolerance policy in all areas of discrimination, bigotry and prejudice.
"As an organisation we are committed to tackling the issue of homophobia in the game, we are working with Kick It Out and the FA on an anti-homophobia campaign that will tackle the issue head-on and I hope, be as successful as our anti-racism campaigns."
'Confront aggressive issues'
An FA spokesman commented: "The FA recognises that football has a duty to tackle all discrimination within the game and aims to confront aggressive issues such as homophobia.
"There was a change in football ground regulations at the start of the 2007/08 season which saw homophobic abuse deemed punishable - the FA supported this breakthrough further by teaming up with the Gay Football Supporters Network to provide liaison officers who can advise and educate Premier and Football League clubs and their stewards on homophobia in the game.
"There is no place in the game for homophobic or racist abuse and The FA calls for the strongest possible sanctions to be taken against anyone who is found guilty."
'Clear message'
Chris Basiurski, chair of the Gay Football Supporters Network says: “We are not surprised by these findings and welcome the clear message that the report sends, that homophobia is a problem in football and more needs to be done to tackle it.
"Our own experiences show that many in the football world are in denial over the problem and have been unwilling to help us in our campaigns.
"When we have approached the clubs, many have commented that homophobia is not a problem in their club. Hopefully the findings in this report will make them think again.”
To read the Stonewall report in full, please click here.
For more information on Stonewall, please visit stonewall.org.uk
