We have several pairs of rainbow laces which will be available in the club shop for anyone who would like a pair.
This year, we will be showing their support for LGBT players and fans through Stonewall Scotland’s Rainbow Laces campaign. The campaign also has the support of the Scottish Professional Football League.
The Rainbow Laces campaign aims to make sporting environments more inclusive for LGBT fans and players by raising awareness of anti-LGBT abuse.
Research carried out last year found that 72 per cent of football fans have heard anti-LGBT remarks at games over the last five years, while 20 per cent of 18 to 24 year olds said they would be ‘embarrassed’ if their favourite player came out as LGBT.
Arbroath Secretary and Director, Gary Callon said: “Arbroath Football Club is proud to be supporting the Rainbow Laces Campaign. We want all fans to feel welcome and included at games at Gayfield Park and do our best to make it a family environment. Football, whether supporting your team on the terraces or playing on the pitch should be somewhere everyone can be themselves.”
Colin Macfarlane, Director of Stonewall Scotland, said: “We’re delighted that Arbroath Football Club is supporting Rainbow Laces, and standing with LGBT fans. Many LGBT people want to take part in sport, either as players or fans, but abuse from a small minority makes many people feel unsafe. Wearing Rainbow Laces is a great way to show your support, and to help make sport more inclusive for everyone.”
Follow Stonewall Scotland using @StonewallScot and get involved in the conversation on Twitter via #RainbowLaces.
Find out more about Stonewall Scotland HERE
