Nine out of ten people are behind The Justin Campaign’s Football v Homophobia initiative, according to a recent survey.
More than 130 people took part in a consultation surrounding the international campaign day which opposes homophobia in football and offers individuals, communities and teams from across the world the opportunity to communicate their disapproval of homophobia in sport.
Held on 19 February for the first time this year, the event commemorates the birthday of Justin Fashanu – the first and only out gay professional footballer who committed suicide in 1998.
A spokesperson for The Justin Campaign, commented: “The Football v Homophobia consultation was arranged to establish whether the majority were satisfied with the overall concept of the initiative and also whether the date of the initiative suited those who wished to take part.
“We received enormous support throughout 2009/10 in the lead up to the launch of Football v Homophobia and the consultation results have only reinforced that support.
“The comments and suggestions received in the consultation have been incredibly useful in helping us to understand how we can continue to ensure that this initiative remains accessible to everyone and is, above all, influential in impacting on the problem of homophobia in football on a global scale.”
A number of respondents were keen to see the initiative bring together different groups and organisations such as the FA, the Gay Football Supporters Network and Stonewall in a united stance against homophobia in football.