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Video: German Football fans unite in demonstration against homophobia

Apr 22 2013
Written by Joseph McCormick

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

Fans of a German football team coordinated efforts at a recent match, and demonstrated against homophobia in professional sport.

Fans of the St Pauli football squad demonstrated during a game against Paderborn, and were coordinated by Alerta Network, which describes itself as an “antifascist movement”.

The Alerta Actionday saw fans holding rainbow signs emblazoned with the words “Alerta Network”, as well as larger banners with images of same-sex couples, and messages of solidarity against homophobia.

In the video, as players entered the field, fans held up a larger banner, which was choreographed to display the name of the organisation in large writing behind the goal.

During the match, St Pauli goalkeeper Phillipp Tschauner ran upfield to score a 90th minute equaliser against Paderborn, heading the ball into the goal. The match ended 2-2.

The action by St Pauli fans came just after former Leeds footballer, Robbie Rogers, explained why coming out as gay meant he had to retire immediately as a professional footballer.

The 25-year-old went public about his sexuality in a post on his personal website in February.

Last week, a Major League Soccer player in the US who was suspended for three games after using an anti-gay slur, again expressed remorse, and said that he wants to use the opportunity of the media “for the good”, and to make amends for his actions.

Alan Gordon of the San Jose Earthquakes used the anti-gay slur against Will Johnson of the Portland Timbers, during a recent game, was suspended for three games and given an undisclosed fine.