Manchester: Lib Dem MP tables Early Day Motion in support of tackling homophobic football chants
Liberal Democrat MP John Leech is tabling an Early Day Motion calling on joint efforts by football clubs, supporters and the police to tackle homophobic chants during matches.
Mr Leech, who represents Manchester Withington, is also the Lib Dems’ spokesperson on culture, leisure and sport.
He has applauded the work of the Gay Football Supporters’ Network (GFSN) and the Brighton & Hove Albion Supporters’ Club (BHASC).
They recently produced research showing Brighton & Hove Albion fans have heard homophobic abuse at over 70% of all games throughout this season.
Mr Leech said: “I applaud the GFSN and BHASC for highlighting this issue. In recent years, everyone has worked hard to tackle racism in football. We need the same will to tackle homophobia in football.”
Chris Basiurski, chair of GFSN, said: “We are extremely pleased that our report has drawn the support of MPs in parliament and we welcome this Early Day Motion. The aims of the report were to raise awareness of the on-going problem of homophobic chants aimed at Brighton supporters and the need for all parties to step up efforts to tackle it.”
Mr Basiurski added: “We hope that the Early Day Motion will attract the support of MPs from all political persuasions and we urge all the MPs who are eligible to sign and help bring the football authorities to the table so that together we can come up with an effective and coordinated plan to eradicate the abuse”
