Premier League clubs show Rainbow Laces support

During the first two match rounds of December, the Premier League is proudly standing alongside Stonewall in promoting equality and diversity through the Rainbow Laces campaign.

The campaign kicked off at the weekend and, on Rainbow Laces Day, we look at how the clubs came together to show support for all lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT+) people in football and beyond.

As part of the campaign, Rainbow Laces branding is visible at all the grounds on ball plinths, handshake and substitutes boards, while the LED perimeter boards at the stadiums are displaying the rainbow colours.

Some clubs, including West Ham United, pictured top, decorated their stands to offer another show of support.

Others, such as Burnley, had large banners adorned across their stands.

Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea were among the clubs who used their big screens to offer support to the campaign.

Bespoke armbands for captains, rainbow shoe laces and pin badges for players, staff and management were also on display, as shown by Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti below.

The campaign is highlighting the importance of "allyship", with fans and athletes encouraged to become "active allies" and play their part in ensuring LGBT+ people feel included in sport too.

This is part of the work clubs are involved in all year round to celebrate and engage with their LGBT+ communities.

Before their home match against Leicester City, Sheffield United players wore warm-up T-shirts supporting Rainbow Blades, their LGBT+ supporters' club.

And the value of having key figures to back the campaign has been highlighted by Jordan Henderson.

The Liverpool captain has spoken with supporter Keith Spooner, who expressed how important a visible show of support was to him when he came out.

The next phase of the partnership between the Premier League and Stonewall will continue to build on the work that has been undertaken since 2017 to set the benchmark for LGBT+ inclusivity in sport.

A key focus will be education, encouraging LGBT+ acceptance in children and young people involved in programmes such as Premier League Primary Stars and Premier League Kicks, and within Academies.

LGBT+ inclusion will also be a key element of player care and support programmes, which will be made available for all team age groups across Premier League clubs to ensure that football is a welcoming, inclusive environment for all.

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