West Ham United supports Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign to make sport everyone’s game
The Hammers have joined a Britain-wide campaign to show that lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) people are welcome at every level of sport.
Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign will see thousands of people, from fans to players, put on Rainbow Laces on 26 and 27 November to show that sport is everyone's game and to ensure LGBT people feel welcome and included - while Mark Noble will wear the rainbow captain's armband at Sunday's game against Manchester United.
We know most fans welcome and accept LGBT people in sport. However, recent research shows that half of all fans have heard offensive remarks about lesbian, gay, bi and trans people in the last five years.
We can’t let the minority of fans spoil the game and make LGBT fans feel unwelcome watching or playing football.
By supporting Rainbow Laces we are stepping up to show that offensive chants, language and behaviour have no place in our game.
Join us and Stonewall to make sport everyone’s game. www.stonewall.org.uk/sport
Alastair Holmes, spokesman from Pride of Irons - the Hammers' official LGBT supporters' club - said: “We want lesbian and gay football fans to know that West Ham United are an inclusive club where anyone, regardless of gender, age, race or sexual orientation can feel welcome and included and enjoy being part of the West Ham family.
"We’re really pleased that the club are demonstrating their commitment, with the club’s crest on the official Twitter feed also showing the rainbow colours this weekend.”