Motherwell Football Club is showing its support for lesbian, gay, bi and trans players and fans by backing the Rainbow Laces campaign.
Rainbow Laces is Stonewall Scotland’s awareness project to change attitudes in sport and make sure that LGBT people are welcomed and accepted at all levels of the game.
Sadly, many lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people have a poor experience in sport and have experienced discrimination because of who they are. Research shows that almost half of LGBT people think that public sporting events, such as football matches, aren’t a welcoming space for them.
As well as our continued backing, our players will show their support on the pitch during Wednesday’s home match with Celtic.
“Football is a place where everyone should be accepted,” Motherwell captain Peter Hartley said of the campaign. “As a club, we want LGBT people to feel safe and welcome, both here and everywhere else in the game.
“Discrimination should not happen. We must all be role models and stand united to remove the stigma, stop abusive behaviour and make sure football is a welcome environment for all.”
Colin Macfarlane, Director of Stonewall Scotland, said: “We are delighted that SPFL clubs are supporting our Rainbow Laces campaign, and by doing so, standing with LGBT football fans across Scotland.
“We want to see fans make similar commitments and become active allies to LGBT people by creating a welcoming environment and challenging abuse. Many LGBT people want to take part in football, either as players or fans, but abuse from a small minority makes many people feel unsafe.”
We can only stop homophobic, biphobic and transphobic behaviour and language from happening in football by showing that it is not acceptable, at every level of the game.
We are dedicated to eradicating any forms of homophobic, biphobic or transphobic behaviour and making sure our club is a place where LGBT fans can be safe and accepted. We need everyone to stand with us as allies to LGBT people.
Follow Stonewall Scotland using @StonewallScot or get involved in the conversation on Twitter via #RainbowLaces.
You can find out more about Stonewall Scotland at stonewallscotland.org.uk.