FA joins 5Live debate on homophobia in football

Thursday 13 Feb 2014
Sue Ravenlaw discusses homophobia in football with BBC panel

The FA's Head of Equality and Child Protection, Sue Ravenlaw, joined Steven Reid, Owen Coyle and Clarke Carlisle last week in a BBC Radio 5Live special to discuss homophobia in football.

The show, in conjunction with the Just a Ball Game charity, is due to be broadcast on Thursday 13 February at 9pm and helps mark the FA-backed 'Football v Homophobia' initiative as well as a month of activity recognising the contribution LGBT groups and individuals have made to society.

Ravenlaw said: "It's an area which we are continuing to make strides in.

"The new Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination plan gives us a solid framework to help tackle homophobia and other forms of unacceptable behaviour, with the Inclusion and Advisory Board acting as a sounding board for some of The FA's key decision makers.

"That, coupled with our own expertise in the form of a bolstered Equality team, means we're in a good place.

"The fact that the BBC has dedicated a show to the topic is an indication of its increasing importance."

She continued: "There are some exciting things on the horizon which The FA is at the forefront of.

"A suite of new films outlining how fans and players can report discrimination, are just being finalised before release and we're working on mandatory education from U12 through to adult for those convicted for discrimination."

To listen to Sue, as well as contributions from the PFA and 'Kick It Out', tune in to BBC Radio 5Live on Thursday evening at 9pm. The show will be available from the BBC iPlayer, too.

 

By FA Staff