Watch the video from the event in the Media Gallery above.

The FA’s Adrian Bevington has called for a “so what?” attitude in football following the launch of The Football Association’s action plan Opening Doors and Joining In around tackling homophobia.

Bevington, the Managing Director for Club England, spoke at the Wembley Stadium event which included former England internationals Graeme Le Saux and John Scales as special guests alongside the Head Coach of England Women, Hope Powell.

“The message here is clear. Let’s embrace individuals for their outstanding skills, talents and differences. After all, that’s why we all love football in the first place,” said Bevington.

“I hope we can count on your support in kicking homophobia out of football and creating a ‘so what?’ culture.”

The launch of Opening Doors and Joining In took place the day after the birth date of Justin Fashanu and Bevington took a moment to remember the former Norwich City and Nottingham Forest striker: “Yesterday would have been Justin Fashanu’s 51st birthday and The FA recognised this with a special dressing room debate film on TheFA.com featuring Brendon Batson, ex-England international John Scales and Ady Williams, who was capped 13 times by Wales.

“There’s no escaping that fact that Fashanu’s eternal legacy will be as the first gay footballer yet let’s take a moment to remember him as a footballer.

“That fantastic goal for Norwich City against Liverpool at Carrow Road won Goal of the Season on Match of the Day in 1980 and he was the first black British player to move clubs for a million pounds when he signed Nottingham Forest.”

The event drew comparisons against football’s anti-racism campaign and Bevington believes that the homophobia agenda can be equally successful: “Football has done a fantastic job in getting rid of racism and everyone across the game can take credit in shifting that landscape of hatred to one of understanding and appreciation of cultural differences.

“It’s plain to see that education across all areas of football is the key to success in our anti-homophobia agenda.

“It sounds daunting but I’ve not doubt it’s achievable.”