Football, rugby to support LGBT cause with 'Rainbow Laces' campaign

Football and rugby clubs within the UK will give their support to LGBT players and fans this week by taking part in Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign.

The Premier League, Football Association, English Football League, Premiership Rugby and Rugby Football Union, as well as sports club across Britain, will put on a series of activities in support of the charity.

Before every Premier League game this weekend, a giant Rainbow Laces flag will be displayed, while teams will don the laces during training and more will be handed out on matchdays.

Referees will also wear laces, while the Wembley Arch will be lit up in rainbow colours on Saturday, November 26.

Stonewall chief executive Ruth Hunt said: "The research we released earlier this year gave a clear indication of what needed to happen for sport to become more inclusive - research we made it clear that if things were going to change we would need the support from across sport.

"It's crucial for organisations like the Premier League, the Football Association and the Rugby Premiership to show they welcome lesbian, gay, bi and trans people. At the moment, many LGBT people want to take part in sport, either as players or fans, but the abuse and hate from a minority of fans can make them feel unsafe, unwelcome or unable to be themselves.

"We know the majority of sports fans want a better, more inclusive game. This campaign is about encouraging people to step up and say they will not stand for abuse and the support of football and rugby clubs and associations is crucial because it gives people the confidence to do that."

Earlier this year Stonewall revealed that 72% of football fans have heard homophobic abuse at a live sporting event, and later released figures stating that 63% want more to be done to tackle homophobia in sport.