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York City backs anti-homophobia campaign | York City backs anti-homophobia campaign |
(about 3 hours later) | |
York City has used its home game against Southend United to back a campaign against homophobia in football. | |
The club gave 100 match tickets to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender organisation York Pride to support the Football v Homophobia campaign. | |
The campaign is inspired by the late Justin Fashanu, who was one of the world's first openly gay footballers. | The campaign is inspired by the late Justin Fashanu, who was one of the world's first openly gay footballers. |
Players also warmed up in Football v Homophobia t-shirts, the club said. | |
'Massive problem' | 'Massive problem' |
Club director Sophie Hicks said homophobia in football was the sport's "last and most stubborn taboo". | Club director Sophie Hicks said homophobia in football was the sport's "last and most stubborn taboo". |
"As a sport, we have to reach a position where players feel comfortable being openly gay and sexuality is not an issue in the game." | "As a sport, we have to reach a position where players feel comfortable being openly gay and sexuality is not an issue in the game." |
Anti-homophobia announcements were made during the match against Southend and the rainbow flag was presented on the pitch before kick-off, the club said. | |
Greg Stephenson, chairman of York Pride, said while homophobia in football remained a "massive problem", things were slowly changing. | Greg Stephenson, chairman of York Pride, said while homophobia in football remained a "massive problem", things were slowly changing. |
"There have been a few cases in the last few months of players coming out after they have retired, which was unheard of a few years ago, so we are getting there - but it just takes time." | "There have been a few cases in the last few months of players coming out after they have retired, which was unheard of a few years ago, so we are getting there - but it just takes time." |
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