Football and rugby to stand united in support of LGBT fans and players

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Rainbow laces will be more visible than ever in the coming days as football and rugby stand united in support of LGBT fans and players.

The Premier League, Premiership Rugby, Football Association, English Football League, Rugby Football Union and other sports clubs around Great Britain are taking part in a co-ordinated series of events to show common cause with the Stonewall charity’s initiative.

Each Premier League fixture this weekend will feature a rainbow laces flag at the start of the match and and see rainbow-themed advertising boards, while there is also support throughout the professional and grass roots tiers of the game.

Laces will be worn by referees and handed out at a selection of fixtures across the nation, while the Wembley Arch will be lit up in rainbow colours on Saturday.

Similar actions will be carried out by Premiership Rugby and Welsh Rugby.

Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore said: “The Premier League is all about exciting, passionate and unpredictable football that is for everyone, everywhere.

“The Rainbow Laces campaign complements the work clubs are doing to promote inclusion and diversity in their stadiums, and across all levels of the sport.”

Ian Ritchie, chief executive RFU, added: “The Rugby Football Union is proud to support Stonewall and the Rainbow Laces campaign.

“We believe rugby’s core values of respect, teamwork and sportsmanship resonate with what is at the heart of this important campaign.

“We are committed to ensuring that sport provides an inclusive and welcoming environment for all at every level and we look forward to working with Stonewall to raise awareness and tackle inequality on and off the field.”