Gavin Newlands MP: ‘More work needed to eliminate homophobia from football.’
Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has again raised the issue of homophobia in football and called for leadership to be shown on the issue as a way of helping to rid these ‘appalling views from our national game.’
A recent report by BBC 5 Live highlighted how 50% of football fans have heard homophobic chanting whilst at the football, with 71% of respondents also stating that football authorities should do more to educate fans on homophobia.
Responding to this survey, the Chairman of the English FA said that he was “cautious of encouraging people to come out until we do our part of the bargain and stamp out abuse.”
During questions to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Mr Newlands – who serves as the SNP Westminster Spokesperson for Sport – criticised the comments made by the FA Chairman, Greg Clarke, and called for further work to be taken to help rid these views from football.
Mr Newlands previously wrote to the UK Government and SFA asking what they’re doing to help tackle homophobia in football.
Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said:
“The comments by Greg Clarke are highly insensitive and send completely the wrong message about how we tackle homophobia in football.
“We should be united in sending a message that homophobic chanting is not wanted at the football.
“The UK Government and the FA should come together and create a LGBTI-focused ‘Kick it Out’ campaign to help rid these appalling views from our national game.”
