British Football Stars to Tape Anti-Homophobia Video

Following a series of high-profile cases of anti-gay and homophobic abuse shouted by British football fans, the Football Association is taking the unprecedented step of taping the sport's top stars to speak out against homophobia.

"A video showing football stars speaking out against homophobia will be released next year as part of an unprecedented drive by the sport's governing bodies to tackle a sharp rise in abuse and discrimination. The video will be shown in cinemas, on TV and in stadiums in an attempt to rid terraces and pitches of homophobic chants and slurs, the Guardian reveals.

"It is hoped that up to a dozen players, including David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell, David James, Wayne Rooney, Ashley Cole and Cristiano Ronaldo, will be persuaded to take part."

Ferdinand is one of the loudest voices on and off the field for speaking out on anti-gay abuse and homophobia. Another black football player, Sol Campbell, has recently been the focus of one of the more disgusting cases of racist and homophobic abuse. Campbell has also used the opportunity to speak out against homophobia and has been applauded by gay sports fans.

FA to Tackle Homophobia with Video [Guardian]

Some Background...
2 Arrested After Racist Taunts of Sol Campbell [R20]
Rio Ferdinand: Deduct Points for Homophobic Fans [R20]
Campbell Taunted with Racist, Homophobic Insults [R20]

Comments

[Kevin Perez]

Is this something that's just limited to fans in UK that behave like this in football games? Italy and Spain are other countries that have its fair share have nasty inccidents like this during football games.

[Rowan]

@ Kevin Prez

I think so. We have a really inracist cabinet, since Blair actually which is ironic!

The UK are obsessed with rules and regulations, thus politically correctness but I can't see this happening in Europe.

But you know what, I lived in Barcalona for a while and NOT one racist remark...

BUT it's odd-people will insult all cultures inc their own and take it on the chin when you insult them..

[Taylor Siluwé]

It seems like such a no-brainer, taking these steps to speak out against an obvious wrong.

But here in America where a fat (allegedly religious) homophobe is given a platform at our grandest event ... such little steps of progress are a very big deal.

Sadly, it seems America is always a step behind Europe when it comes to equality.

[Kevin Perez]

I wouldn't disagree with that, Taylor. But remember that the EU is not exactly fond of the recent Islamic immigrants from the Middle East and there is great prejudice towards West Africans too. Spain is notable example.