Posted on 10th January 2014
This is a story from the FSF archive – the FSF and SD merged to become the FSA in 2019.
The FSF welcomes former Aston Villa, Chesterfield, Everton, and West Ham United player Thomas Hitzlsperger’s recent decision to reveal his sexuality.
It’s the right thing to do and we hope this helps move football towards a climate where current professionals feel they can do the same. There is no place for discrimination in football and any player who chooses to come out would have the FSF’s full support.
FSF affiliate the Gay Football Supporters’ Network (GFSN) also welcomed the news that Hitzlsperger feels comfortable enough to make the announcement. GFSN Chair Chris Basiurski explains why he believes it’s important when footballers come out as gay here.
For almost 25 years now, the Free Lions team have been following England home and away providing England fans with on-the-ground support and information through our Fans’ Embassy service. They’re no strangers to the controversies surrounding the Three Lions’ support and today have issued the following comment on the pre-match booing of the England players before their fixture against Romania…
Fans of women’s football want to see an improvement in the standard of officiating, with almost nine out of ten (87.6%) in favour of the introduction of full-time referees according to the results of our Women’s Game Survey which are published today.
The international break is in full swing – England’s women drew 3-3 with Belgium last week, and are now preparing in Norway for tonight’s friendly in Bergen. We caught up with Lionesses fan Louise Smith to find out more about what it’s like following the national team, her experiences of the World Cup and how the Lionesses are inspiring a new generation to get involved in the game.
A report released by the Sports Ground Safety Authority today shows that standing options – such as rail seats and seats with barriers – have improved safety in the top flight.
