Kick It Out, football's equality and inclusion organisation, has responded to the news that the FA has postponed its anti-homophobia campaign.
Due to be launched this Thursday, 11 February, the association's bullying film will now not see the light of day until later in the year - if at all.
Piara Powar, director for Kick It Out, said: “We believe the advertising film that has been made to challenge homophobia in football is a decisive step in the long battle to tackle homophobic attitudes, abuse and harassment.
“The 60 second piece has a strong narrative that will reflect the reality of gay abuse in the game. It is a piece of realist drama that will kick-start awareness of both the need to tackle homophobia and to help to educate its target audiences to understand what is abusive, illegal and damages our game.
“The project team consulted a wide range of members of the LGBT community, including formal consultations with respected charity Stonewall, campaigner Peter Tatchell of Outrage, and the Gay Football Supporters Network. All agreed the strategy and approved the script before production.
“As campaigners with a long record of success of tackling discrimination in football we know our audience well and are confident the film will have the desired impact.
“However, we also know that a film of this kind cannot by itself solve the problem of homophobia in football. We intend to start an active debate that will be followed up by a series of other interventions, from within football and from within the LGBT community.”