WIREDGOV

The TUC in conjunction with the Professional Footballers’ Association yesterday published new guidance for tackling homophobia in football.

The campaign toolkit contains practical advice on how supporters can work with their local club to stamp out prejudice.

Tips include how to report abuse, how to link-up with supporters’ groups and how to escalate complaints.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “The TUC is proud to work with our colleagues in the PFA and other allies to combat homophobia in football. It has no place in sport or in any walk of life.

“This guidance is all about helping campaigners work with football clubs – be they the Premier League or semi-professional – to tackle prejudice. It is essential to organise at every level

“Football has come a long way in the past 25 years. But we still have a long way to go to make it fully inclusive.”

PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor said: “The PFA have worked closely with the TUC Alliance to encourage trade unions to work together with football clubs to combat issues of discrimination in the game.

“The Tackling Homophobia Toolkit demonstrates that partnership working across football and wider society is the best way to make positive change. As the players’ union we welcome the opportunity to encourage acceptance for everyone – gay or straight we are all winners!”

NOTES TO EDITORS:
- A copy of the toolkit can be found at: www.tuc.org.uk/homophobiainfootball
- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

Contacts:
Media enquiries:
Alex Rossiter  T: 020 7467 1285  M: 07887 572130  E: arossiter@tuc.org.uk
Tim Nichols  T: 020 7467 1388  M: 07808 761844  E: tnichols@tuc.org.uk
Michael Pidgeon  T: 020 7467 1372  M: 07717 531150  E: mpidgeon@tuc.org.uk
Elly Gibson (Mon to Wed)  T: 020 7467 1337  M: 07900 910624  E: egibson@tuc.org.uk
Kay Atwal (Wed and Thur)  T: 020 7467 1385  M: 07941 547469  E: katwal@tuc.org.uk