Everton, Newcastle, Reading, BT Sport and outspoken Joey Barton rainbow lace up in support of gay footballers in Stonewall #RBGF campaign
Footballers and managers took part in the rainbow laces campaign on Saturday in support of stamping out homophobia in the game.The campaign was launched by LGBT equality charity Stonewall in partnership with bookies Paddy Power.It has been well received on Twitter despite the refusal of the Premier League and the FA to officially get involved, citing lack of consultation and sensitive commercial issues due to the bookies involvement. Some of the countries biggest clubs, including Manchester United, did not take part.Meanwhile, another organisation, Football v Homophobia, declined to support the campaign because it felt the language of the campaign – called ‘Right Behind Gay Footballers’ – reinforced stereotypes often passed off as ‘banter’.However, Stonewall told the BBC it chose to involve Paddy Power because it spoke “the language of fans and players” and said the message of the campaign was clear.Queens Park Rangers midfielder and outspoken tweeter Joey Barton got behind the campaign along with a host of others.
Campaign: Stonewall teamed up with Paddy Power
Rocking rainbow laces on @clarebalding show last night. Not just about players, supporters too can lace up! #RBGF pic.twitter.com/PyMq6Q4clK
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) September 20, 2013Listened to @gareththomas14 on TalkSport. Presenters debating whether laces can cause 'technical issues' with players boots?
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) September 20, 2013Well, I have worn them in two matches now and trust me there are no technical issues. If you don't want to support at least have the...
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) September 20, 2013..balls to say so. Hate it when people use little things as a cop out. Thankfully, it looks like most are secure enough within to support.
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) September 20, 2013Some Premier League clubs didn't get enough notice to change their laces. Really? Ok then, here’s our guide #RBGF pic.twitter.com/lONz6G9cEx
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) September 20, 2013Phil Jagielka and other players will be wearing the rainbow laces today to kick homophobia out of football #efcwhu pic.twitter.com/PMQivsfxD3
— Official Everton (@Everton) September 21, 2013232,851,618 #RBGF have appeared to Twitter users since last Sunday. People talking. Attitudes changing.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) September 21, 2013Alan Pardew celebrates Loic Remy's goal. The manager is wearing Rainbow Laces in support of @stonewalluk #RBGF #NUFC pic.twitter.com/FjUry0nGxB
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFCOfficial) September 21, 2013@DavidGinolaCeze and the rest of the boys are wearing @stonewalluk rainbow laces today #btsFootball #RBGF pic.twitter.com/QPLLoRiLdQ
— BT Sport (@BTSport) September 21, 2013Thanks to @paddypower for getting some #rbgf rainbow laces to me. Yes my footwear is weird, medicinal reasons pic.twitter.com/CfCpdRfL0O
— Ian Stringer (@StringerSport) September 21, 2013Wearing the Rainbow Laces for today's game #RBGF pic.twitter.com/RI4Q1D2pav
— Danny Simpson (@dannysimpson) September 21, 2013Captain @seanmorrison_91 is wearing Rainbow Laces today as an ambassador for the club @StonewallUK #rainbowlaces pic.twitter.com/nafonrI3Wb
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) September 21, 2013Dear @stonewalluk every member of the afc Wimbledon squad, plus management and refs are wearing them. We're #rbgf pic.twitter.com/f52VLl1ZzG
— Zoë L****** (@samesizedfeet) September 21, 2013Also I was wearing my rainbow laces today against Newcastle to support #RBGF with @paddypower @stonewalluk pic.twitter.com/QZB5Km0zWa
— David J. Meyler (@DavidMeyler7) September 21, 2013Robert Snodgrass & Ricky van Wolfswinkel show support by wearing Rainbow Laces. Shame on Guzan for saving the pen! pic.twitter.com/V7ju4B0Gtx
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) September 21, 2013Fulham's keeper, David Stockdale, wore rainbow-coloured shoe laces v. Chelsea in a campaing against homophobia pic.twitter.com/3fqnwmu7A0
— The Rising Blues (@StamfordTweet) September 22, 2013An incredible day! Huge thanks to thousands of fans, players and clubs who are #RBGF. Let's keep the momentum going! pic.twitter.com/KYTLKh6A4u
— Stonewall (@stonewalluk) September 21, 2013