A number of top-flight clubs across England will this weekend come together to continue the campaign to bring 'Football For Everyone' and tackle homophobia within the game.
The Football v Homophobia (FvH) campaign works to tackle homophobia in football during LGBT History Month by bringing together everyone involved in the game – players, coaches, clubs and football authorities – to take a visible anti-discrimination stance.
February 2014 represents Football v Homophobia's second annual month-long call for action and its goal is to get at least 50% of all professional clubs in the country committed to challenging homophobia in the game.
Lou Englefield, the campaign’s director said: "FvH is about everyone taking responsibility to address the causes and consequences of homophobia in football.
Joey Barton was among a number of player who offered their support for the campaign by wearing specially designed laces
"This isn't just about players coming out. It's about all of us – including heterosexual players and fans who attend matches week in week out – being willing to speak out and take visible action to challenge prejudice in the game.
"We are pleased to be working alongside all of the football authorities and hope that together we can make this the biggest year yet for the campaign against homophobia in football."
Football v Homophobia was born on 27 October 2009 when The Justin Campaign in association with Kick It Out and Brighton & Hove Albion held a debate on homophobia as part of 'One Game, One Community Weeks of Action'.
The movement grew, both nationally and internationally, and as the 2014 programme got under way at Selhurst Park on the first day of February it is clear the movement continues to go from strength to strength.
“For us as players and role models, we all recognise the importance of the Football v Homophobia campaign”
Kevin Nolan West Ham captain
West Ham's players kicked off the action earlier that day by donning the FvH t-shirts during their match.
Club captain Kevin Nolan added his support: "For us as players and role models, we all recognise the importance of the Football v Homophobia campaign," he said.
"We’re passionate about supporting this and we hope that it sends out a message that there is no place for discrimination in football, nor in any sport."
Several other clubs including long-term supporters Manchester City, Arsenal and Aston Villa have been joined by some other big names backing the campaign this year, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Everton, Crystal Palace, Stoke City and Sunderland.
