Normally the myth says a pot of gold can be found at the end of a rainbow, but this weekend gay rights charity Stonewall will be hoping some gold can be found at the feet of thousands of professional footballers across England and Scotland.
The charity have sent all 92 professional League Clubs in England some rainbow coloured laces as they try to gain the support of footballers. The campaign is aimed at changing the attitude towards homophobia in sport, rather than encouraging any footballers to come out as gay.
Robbie Rodgers, formerly of Leeds and Stevenage announced he was gay last year after retiring from the sport, claiming it was impossible while he was playing because of the ‘Pack mentality’ that meant he feared he wouldn’t be accepted in the game.
Rodgers has since gone back on his retirement and is currently plying his trade in the MLS with LA Galaxy.
The FA have had no involvement with the campaign and say it is ‘up to each individual club and player’ as to whether they join in with wearing the laces in matches this weekend across England and Scotland, but have promised to discuss the campaign with Stonewalls next year.
Everton, have been the first club to come forward and publicly confirm their support of the campaign, it remains uncertain as to how many others will do the same though. The campaign has had support from QPR midfielder Joey Barton who today tweeted: ‘Sexuality in sport should not be an issue in 21st Century.’
The belief within the game is that attitudes are changing in football towards homosexuality. Work continues to try and rid the game of the image that saw Justin Fashanu commit suicide after publicly coming out.
This weekend, clubs and players have the chance to help enhance that image further by wearing the rainbow coloured laces for just 90 minutes. If every player was to come together and support the idea, it would show the watching crowd and media that the game has changed and that it is ready to embrace its first openly gay footballer in the English leagues.
You can show your support by wearing the rainbow coloured laces as well this weekend whether you are a semi-pro player, Sunday League or just having a kick around at the park.
This weekend potentially could go down as one of the historical moments……the moment football welcomed homosexuality into its sport.
Will you be wearing your rainbow coloured laces this weekend?
By Ryan Day
