Peter Tatchell, campaigner for OutRage, described the cancellation as "a real disappointment". Photo thanks to BinaryApe (flickr)
The Football Association (FA), as part of its commitment to tackle homophobia had planned to launch a new film in conjunction with “Kick it Out” and “OutRage” this Thursday. The launch was going to be held in Wembley stadium. It appears however, after a last-minute cancellation that once again the FA has climbed down on its commitments to tackle homophobia. This strategy and launch was planned nearly two years ago, and yet no real explanation for cancellation was given.
I have blogged before about the need to tackle homophobia in British football, with still no openly gay footballers and players lives often being made hell by ignorant fans. Stonewall recently commented that 7 out of 10 fans interviewed in a survey had witnessed homophobic abuse. Anyone who has ever been to more than the occasional match knows that this is not exaggerated.
I remain convinced about football’s potential power to make real change in society (for the better). Equally, I remain frustrated with the FA’s dragging of feet whenever anything progressive is mentioned. I am sure Rio (critically acclaimed England Captain) will be looking to bolster his image, especially considering his slip on live radio when he called Chris Moyles a “faggot”. Why not get him involved (assuming he doesn’t do more harm than good)?
Tomorrow will be just another day, when the FA sits on their arses refusing to make any substantial change in “their sport”. We (the supporters) need to give them the kick that they need to truly “Kick homophobia out of football”. By cancelling this film, they have sent out all the wrong messages. We need to stand up and tell them that this is unacceptable!
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