Homophobia in Football

Today I met with Greg Clarke, Chair of the FA, to discuss the enduring problem of homophobia in football.

This issue is extremely important to me; indeed, in my first question as Shadow Sports Minister I pressed the Government on what is being done to combat homophobia in sports. Nobody should be compelled to hide or be ashamed of their sexuality, and I am concerned that homophobia within football serves to add to the wider problem of discrimination of towards LGBT people in society.

I look forward to working closely with the FA to encourage professional football players to be more considerate in the language they use and the attitudes they display towards homosexuality. Many of these players are role models to young children, they must take responsibility for creating a more inclusive and equal culture within football.