Charity and SFA ad promotes inclusion
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) fans were welcomed to the new football season at grounds around the country this weekend.
A message was placed in the programmes at all Scottish premiership matches in a joint initiative between the Equality Network charity and the Scottish Football Association (SFA).
Scott Cuthbertson, development manager of the Equality Network, said: “We want to send the message loud and clear that LGBTI fans, players and officials are welcome in Scottish football, and that we are working for a more inclusive game.
“We don’t yet have any openly LGBTI professional players in the men’s professional game in Scotland but we know there are plenty of LGBTI fans, so we want to put out the welcome mat and encourage fans to help remove any barriers, so that footballing talent are welcome to come out in future.”
Hala Ousta, diversity and inclusion manager at the SFA, said: “The Scottish Football Association is committed to ensuring football is accessible to all and we support this initiative to welcome all supporters.
“We want to create an inclusive environment and ensure all are treated fairly and will be working with groups such as the Equality Network to support our work towards better diversity and inclusion.”
The advert states "Plays for the other team… Supports yours", and goes on to say "Scottish football welcomes its LGBTI fans", using a rainbow flag football design.
The partners behind the advert are encouraging football clubs to sign up to the Scottish LGBT Sports Charter, which was launched at Hampden Park last year as a tool to better include LGBT people in Scottish Sport.
They are also looking for LGBTI football fans to help support their own clubs to become more inclusive and welcoming to LGBTI fans, players and officials.
Fans are encouraged to visit hereto sign up.
