Posted on 16th February 2010
This is a story from the FSF archive – the FSF and SD merged to become the FSA in 2019.
The Justin Campaign, launched in memory of Justin Fashanu the world’s first and only out gay professional football player, is to launch an international day opposing homophobia in football this Friday, February 19th 2010.
Football v Homophobia aims to raise awareness of homophobia in football and encourage clubs to show their support for the cause by adopting the logo for the day.
Teams throughout the Europe and America will be showing their support for the cause by holding a series of football matches and fun events throughout the day under the banner of Football v Homophobia.
The Justin Campaign’s football team will be kicking off the celebrations in a football tournament taking place at Carrow Road this Friday, Norwich City’s stadium of course and where Fashanu began his career. Amal Fashanu, John Fashanu’s daughter will be there to open the event.
“We think it’s important to have one day out of each year when clubs and supporters are able to unite in opposing hate and intolerance in their national sport,” said Jason Bartholomew Hall founding director of The Justin Campaign. “However people celebrate Football v Homophobia day – let it be out of respect for each other and of equality.”
Events to support the initiative have been confirmed throughout Europe and even across the Atlantic. Panteres Grogues a LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual transgendered) sports group in Barcelona and The Federal Triangles FC from Washington DC are also holding tournaments in their areas.
Anne-Marie Mockridge, who leads the FSF’s diversity work, fully supports the Justin Campaign: “We all have a responsibility to confront homophobia in all its shapes and forms, sitting on the fence just isn’t good enough.”
“There’s never been a better time for fans to make a stand.”
Visit www.thejustincampaign.com for more details.
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To mark this year’s International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, both the All-Party Parliamentary Groups for Football Supporters and for Global LGBT+ Rights invites FSA members to a joint panel on LGBT+ representation, and combatting discrimination, in football.
From Norway to Cyprus, and Israel to Ireland, SD Europe’s network touches 38 countries in Europe alone and beyond. To highlight and celebrate our growing network, this week sees the kick off of a new social media campaign, highlighting the supporters groups, member-run football clubs, and supporter liaison officers (SLOs) that make up SD Europe.
Leeds United Supporters’ Trust (LUST) has launched its #StayAway campaign with former players, NHS staff and notable Leeds United fans encouraging supporters to do their bit in the continued fight against COVID-19.
Port Vale Supporters’ Club handed out ska style t-shirts at Vale Park at the weekend to promote the Fans for Diversity campaign with an anti-racist message.
