A report from Britain’s leading gay rights campaign group Stonewall, has today 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, that almost two thirds of fans believe football would be a better sport if anti-gay abuse was eradicated and that two thirds of fans would feel comfortable if a player at their club came out.
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.
For more information, please see the website of Kick it out campaign.