Simon Kirby condemns homophobic attacks on Albion fans
Brighton Kemptown MP Simon Kirby has strongly protested against homophobia in football in a reaction to a recent report.
Evidence collected by the Albion Supporter’s club and the Gay Football Supporters Network shows Brighton fans are frequently on the receiving end of such attacks.
Statistics show that in at least 57% of Brighton matches the fans are subjected to homophobic attacks by opposing supporters.
Chants such as “does your boyfriend know you’re here” are being aimed at the populace of a city known for it’s large LGBT community.
Mr Kirby, who has promised he will take the issue to Parliament and with Footballs governing bodies, said, “As a Brighton fan I am troubled by the impact homophobia has on our club and supporters, but I also recognise that this is a problem which exists on a wider scale in our national sport.
“We have to send out a clear message that there is no room for prejudice or bigotry of any kind in football
“Tackling homophibia in football can have a positive knock on effect in society, especially amongst young people, and I will be doing what I can to draw attention to this issue in Parliament and with football’s governing bodies.”
Homophobia in football has hit the headlines recently after a number of players have confirmed their homosexuality.
“We have to send out a clear message that there is no room for prejudice or bigotry of any kind in football”
The most notable of these being former Leeds United player Robbie Rogers, who came out in February and retired at just 25.
He not only feared the reaction of the football world but also that of his loved ones.
He wrote in his blog, “Fear that my loved ones would be farthest from me if they knew my secret.”
It has been well publicised that some gay footballers are hesitant to come out as it may damage their careers irreversibly.
The issue became prominent in 1990 when Justin Fashanu became the first and only English player to publicly announce that he was homosexual.
Eight years later the Norwich City and Nottingham Forest player committed suicide at the age of 37.
Several organisations have been created to combat the problem including the Gay Football Supporters Network in 1989.
The GFSN campaigns in support of the FA’s ‘Football For All’ scheme which encourages all clubs to hold a gay tolerant stance.
This call out for a halt in discrimination mirrors the stance the FA took against racism in the 1980s.
Homophobia is a major hinderance on the ‘fair play’ nature of football and the problems encountered by Brighton and Hove Albion are the latest in a line of issues present all over the world.
Words: Henry Smith
What you say about Justin Fashanu is accurate but perhaps gives the wrong impression. I don’t believe there was any direct link between his experience as an openly gay footballer and his suicide.
When I looked closely at his football career I found there was a greater degree of acceptance and support than is commonly supposed. For example, at Torquay, the first league club to offer him a contract after coming out, Fashanu was made club captain and then assistant manager. I don’t think this would have happened if he hadn’t been accepted by his teammates.
Fashanu’s experience is often used as a sort of warning against coming out when it could be seen as a source of encouragement.
Jim Read author, Justin Fashanu: The Biography
I totally understand your point. His inclusion is down to the fact that his was the first name that came to mind when writing the article.
I agree that his experience should be seen as encouraging and not as a warning.
Thank you for commenting,
Henry Smith