http://www.york.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=345454
York City are dedicating next month’s home game with Southend United in the ongoing battle against homophobia.
| “Homophobia is Football’s last and most stubborn taboo” – Sophie Hicks |
The visit of the Shrimpers to Bootham Crescent on Saturday 22nd February is to become the first Football Against Homophobia match.
The announcement was made at last evening’s York Pride 2014 launch. York Pride is a charity campaigning against inequality and promoting diversity and understanding for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.
York City FC’s communications director Sophie Hicks was a guest speaker at the event, while club skipper Chris Smith and winger Josh Carson presented the organisers of York Pride with 100 tickets for the game, which are to be distributed amongst the gay community.
“Homophobia is Football’s last and most stubborn taboo,” Ms Hicks commented, reports York’s official website. “As a sport, we have to reach a position where players feel comfortable being openly gay and sexuality is not an issue in the game.
“At York City Football Club we are committed to supporting our players and employees should they take the step to publicly come out and we are also fully committed to stamping out mindless homophobia at our matches,” she added. “Football is for everyone and we want Bootham Crescent to continue to be fully inclusive and a welcoming environment for all.”