Does your boyfriend know you're here?

[petermcpete]

According to the BBC we are not one of the clubs supporting "Football v Homophobia".

 

Should we be? Surprised by the number of clubs that aren't tbh, but then again it could be a PR stunt that could go either way. Or is it a pointless campaign that won't actually help anything?

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24104250

[DuncanRG]

We absolutely should be. I might seek an explanation as to why we're not.

 

Glad that particular chant was limited to murmurs and quickly shut down where I was today.

[Saint_clark]

Campaigns like this are a total waste of time and effort IMO.

Besides, is chanting "does your boyfriend know you're here" really homophobic? I don't think so. You only hear it at Brighton games, so at worst you could call it prejudiced - and if we're making prejudice illegal then we're in a very sorry state indeed.

 

This quote;

Stonewall deputy chief executive Laura Doughty said: "It's time for football clubs and players to step up and make a visible stand against homophobia in our national game.

 

...is absolutely ridiculous. Does anyone honestly think we have a problem with homophobia in English football? There will of course always be one or two cases, but I say the same thing regarding racism in football - it's no more prevalent than it is in society as a whole and in actual fact probably less so.

It's a huge turnaround from a couple of decades ago, but football fans are one of the most accepting social groups in modern Britain.

Edited 16 September, 2013 by Saint_clark

[oldskoolsi]

Of course there is a problem with homophobia in English football. The fact that only 1 English player has ever come out speaks volumes. Saying 'you only hear it against Brighton so therefore it's only prejudiced is like saying if you only hear anti-jewish song at Spurs it's only prejudiced, not racism. It's moronic. Just because it's no more prevalent then society doesn't mean it's doesn't exist. The fact that it is such a public spectacle mean it could be the perfect place to influence society's opinions.

[adrian lord]

I really can't see how the "boyfriend" song can be seen as anything other than a tired, hackneyed but once very amusing and harmless joke.

[Griffo]

Anyone that cares is gay.

[Bucks Saint]

Yep, any club not agreeing to this revolutionary idea of wearing coloured laces for one weekend is a disgrace. What a wasted opportunity

[hypochondriac]

Of course there is a problem with homophobia in English football. The fact that only 1 English player has ever come out speaks volumes. Saying 'you only hear it against Brighton so therefore it's only prejudiced is like saying if you only hear anti-jewish song at Spurs it's only prejudiced, not racism. It's moronic. Just because it's no more prevalent then society doesn't mean it's doesn't exist. The fact that it is such a public spectacle mean it could be the perfect place to influence society's opinions.

 

Is saying Yid an anti-jewish song?

[Bearsy]

Footballers in England and Scotland have been invited to support a campaign addressing homophobia by having rainbow laces in their boots next weekend.

 

Disgraceful stereotype! Oooh gays luv rainbow laces! We're not all Elton John ffs!

[hypochondriac]

I'm not sure I would want to be right behind a gay footballer. If he was right behind me it would be worse tbf.

[Bearsy]

Of course there is a problem with homophobia in English football. The fact that only 1 English player has ever come out speaks volumes.

 

there would be more gay footballers if they were allowed to wear rainbow laces

[Turkish]

Its a good job all these groups and celebrities are there to keep telling us all these problems exist in football otherwise none of us would be aware of them.

[Tokyo-Saint]

I think Turkish should have a rainbow a avatar. Only one poster (bearsy) has ever come out as being gay on this forum, there is obviously a problem. Turks, show your support.

[Turkish]

I think Turkish should have a rainbow a avatar. Only one poster (bearsy) has ever come out as being gay on this forum, there is obviously a problem. Turks, show your support.

 

statisitcally two of our 25 man squad are going to be gay, so who are they?

[Tokyo-Saint]

They better hope it's not Wanyama.

[Bearsy]

statisitcally two of our 25 man squad are going to be gay, so who are they?

 

i'm not scientist but i reckon the gene that makes you gay also makes you less good at football. I have statistical evidence for this cos there was 3 gay kids in my year at school, one called Jamie one called Richard and one called Andrew and they was all terrible at football! Jamie only had one arm so i spose that would of counted against him anyway. He was the easiest kid in school to push over.

[Tokyo-Saint]

Delldays, Turks and SaintAndy all went to the same school? Didn't know that.

[Turkish]

i'm not scientist but i reckon the gene that makes you gay also makes you less good at football. I have statistical evidence for this cos there was 3 gay kids in my year at school, one called Jamie one called Richard and one called Andrew and they was all terrible at football! Jamie only had one arm so i spose that would of counted against him anyway. He was the easiest kid in school to push over.

 

I can confirm that Richards are generally fit, well dressed, attractive and confident men with GSOHs and very popular with the ladies, so are often confused for homosexuals.

[Lord Duckhunter]

We had a bloke who came out at work, and then got all upset cause nobody gave a flying fuvk.

[Bearsy]

I can confirm that Richards are generally fit, well dressed, attractive and confident men with GSOHs and very popular with the ladies, so are often confused for homosexuals.

 

My middle name is Richard. True story! I tell people it's cos I'm rich + hard.

 

One thing we Richard's don't like is when people try to Dick us. We don't like to be Dicked! Well, the Richard I knew at school did but he was exception.

[thornhill_saints]

In the past we used to sing that to the Brighton fans, they complained to the FA about it, but they aren't even supporting it?

[Turkish]

In the past we used to sing that to the Brighton fans, they complained to the FA about it, but they aren't even supporting it?

 

Hopefully this campaign will remind them how offended they are.

[Barry Sanchez]

Of course we should support this, I bet if it were a religious or racial tone everyone would jump on it for fear of not being on the bandwagon.

[Whitey Grandad]

How can these words possibly be considered homophobic? It's a simple question, easily answered.

[Saint_clark]

Of course there is a problem with homophobia in English football. The fact that only 1 English player has ever come out speaks volumes. Saying 'you only hear it against Brighton so therefore it's only prejudiced is like saying if you only hear anti-jewish song at Spurs it's only prejudiced, not racism. It's moronic. Just because it's no more prevalent then society doesn't mean it's doesn't exist. The fact that it is such a public spectacle mean it could be the perfect place to influence society's opinions.

 

What do you mean by come out exactly, should they hold a press conference to announce it? It's none of our business and nobody cares anymore.

 

Its a good job all these groups and celebrities are there to keep telling us all these problems exist in football otherwise none of us would be aware of them.

 

Indeed, like when the one racist incident a year happens and we get told racism is "rife in football".

[Bucks Saint]

I am disgusted that no one comes out to publicly confirm that they are hetrosexual either. It is essential that we know for certain about their preferences. Who is organising a campaign on this?

[Jeff Le Taxi]

In my humble opinion racism and homophobia is NOT rife in football.

 

Humour and gamesmanship, on the other hand, is alive and kicking.

[Special K]

Of course there is a problem with homophobia in English football. The fact that only 1 English player has ever come out speaks volumes. Saying 'you only hear it against Brighton so therefore it's only prejudiced is like saying if you only hear anti-jewish song at Spurs it's only prejudiced, not racism. It's moronic. Just because it's no more prevalent then society doesn't mean it's doesn't exist. The fact that it is such a public spectacle mean it could be the perfect place to influence society's opinions.

 

Perhaps some gay footballers prefer to keep their private life private. They could be perfectly happy with their life and don't need it disrupted by a bunch of flag waving do-gooders being offended on their behalf. And why do they have to "come out" FFS? I've ever understood why homosexual people are told they have to make their sexuality public knowledge? If they chose to, then that's fair enough, but if they don't want to, then they shouldn't be made too.

 

And is it really expected that anyone would be "influenced" by the chants of a football crowd? I suspect not.

[Bearsy]

In my humble opinion racism and homophobia is NOT rife in football.

 

homophobias and racism are no more prevalent in football than in society in general. If anything we're more accepting! I dunno why we're always being singled out for special treatment.

 

The rainbow laces thing is the worst one yet IMO! I thought it was joke! I find it v.offensive that people are saying all gays like rainbow laces. I know quite a few gays and none of them wear rainbow laces! I think a better idea would be to make the players dress like characters from Mama Mia or suck each other off in the centre circle or something.

[DuncanRG]

Campaigns like this are a total waste of time and effort IMO.

Besides, is chanting "does your boyfriend know you're here" really homophobic? I don't think so. You only hear it at Brighton games, so at worst you could call it prejudiced - and if we're making prejudice illegal then we're in a very sorry state indeed.

 

This quote;

 

 

...is absolutely ridiculous. Does anyone honestly think we have a problem with homophobia in English football? There will of course always be one or two cases, but I say the same thing regarding racism in football - it's no more prevalent than it is in society as a whole and in actual fact probably less so.

It's a huge turnaround from a couple of decades ago, but football fans are one of the most accepting social groups in modern Britain.

 

As evidenced by the hundreds of gay players in England who have already come out and basked in the warm welcome of the hospitable fan base.

 

Is saying Yid an anti-jewish song?

 

Yes. Spurs fans sing it so they can 'own' the term and not be damaged by it - see black people using the n word - but the club are running a consultation on it at the moment.

Edited 16 September, 2013 by DuncanRG

[Saint86]

I don't think the club need to jump on this particular band wagon, I'm actually quite comfortable that we are not.

[buctootim]

As evidenced by the hundreds of gay players in England who have already come out, proving that they are not afraid to do so.

 

Rainbow bootlaces is a pointless empty gesture, crap campaign. Gay players not coming out is more due to wishing to be part of the prevailing macho culture than anything to do with fans. Its just the same as in the army.

[Saint_clark]

As evidenced by the hundreds of gay players in England who have already come out and basked in the warm welcome of the hospitable fan base.

 

Again, why do players need to announce it publicly? How do you know they haven't come out to their friends, family and maybe team mates?

[DuncanRG]

Again, why do players need to announce it publicly? How do you know they haven't come out to their friends, family and maybe team mates?

 

Because they haven't, not to team mates. If interviews, memoirs etc are to be believed it's very much a 'don't ask, don't tell' situation in dressing rooms. When it's an important part of your identity I can imagine how difficult it is to keep it from people, especially people who you're supposed to feel a bond with, like your team mates and fans.

 

Rainbow bootlaces is a pointless empty gesture, crap campaign. Gay players not coming out is more due to wishing to be part of the prevailing macho culture than anything to do with fans. Its just the same as in the army.

 

And does this sign of solidarity not help to deconstruct the 'prevailing macho culture' that's prohibiting them from being who they are?

[buctootim]

And does this sign of solidarity not help to deconstruct the 'prevailing macho culture' that's prohibiting them from being who they are?

 

No because the prevailing culture will always be the culture of the majority. There is a difference between being tolerant of a minority group and telling the majority group what they can and cant talk about in case somebody else is made to feel outside the group. Ive no doubt I'd feel like a fish out of water at a fundamentalist religious group meeting so I dont go. Ive got a classic car but I dont go to classic car rallys because in the main they seem to be populated by types I have nothing in common with. In life you chose the friends and surroundings that suit you. You don't demand everyone else changes to accommodate you.

[DuncanRG]

No because the prevailing culture will always be the culture of the majority. There is a difference between being tolerant of a minority group and telling the majority group what they can and cant talk about in case somebody else is made to feel outside the group. Ive no doubt I'd feel like a fish out of water at a fundamentalist religious group meeting so I dont go. Ive got a classic car but I dont go to classic car rallys because in the main they seem to be populated by types of got nothing in common with. In life you chose the friends and surroundings that suit you. You dont demand everyone else changes to accomodate you.

 

Women aren't allowed to go to football matches in Saudi Arabia. Would you tell them this?

 

'The culture of the majority', as you put it, can be changed. Someone threw a banana at John Barnes.

[Barry Sanchez]

No because the prevailing culture will always be the culture of the majority. There is a difference between being tolerant of a minority group and telling the majority group what they can and cant talk about in case somebody else is made to feel outside the group. Ive no doubt I'd feel like a fish out of water at a fundamentalist religious group meeting so I dont go. Ive got a classic car but I dont go to classic car rallys because in the main they seem to be populated by types I have nothing in common with. In life you chose the friends and surroundings that suit you. You don't demand everyone else changes to accommodate you.

 

You demand that everybody is treated with the same respect as this is a basic right, as I said if this was a racial or religious issue everybody would be forced to adhere.

If football is a mirror of society do you honestly believe that there are no gays in British football?

[buctootim]

Women aren't allowed to go to football matches in Saudi Arabia. Would you tell them this?

 

'The culture of the majority', as you put it, can be changed. Someone threw a banana at John Barnes.

 

Apparently you are struggling with the difference between legality and culture. There are many good dictionaries available.

 

Perhaps the culture of the minority should also be changed? Cottaging in public toilets, cruising in public parks and woods, gay saunas etc? Is that culture, much of which is also illegal and also offensive to the majority, okay because its a minority so therefore protected?

Edited 16 September, 2013 by buctootim

[Viking Warrior]

I dont think , rainbow laces will have any impact , footballers are already wearing multi coloured football boots

Does it matter whether a top footballer is gay or not . whether a top sportsman is gay or not. we support them because they are great sports people.

 

I remember the inuendos about a certain fantastic footballer we had at the dell . I got to know him very well (know not that way). he was a brilliant lad and a friend

some one who was a pleasure to know. A down to earth honest person with a good personality.

 

Thats the way society should be irrespective of their sexuality .

 

Remember earlier this year I announced my son was now a woman. She has lots of friends both at work and away from work

Yes there will be bigots, but when I mentioned the thought about rainbow laces initiative she laughed out loud and thought it was a ridiculous idea.

[buctootim]

You demand that everybody is treated with the same respect as this is a basic right, as I said if this was a racial or religious issue everybody would be forced to adhere.

If football is a mirror of society do you honestly believe that there are no gays in British football?

 

Adhere to what? Of course there are gay players.

[DuncanRG]

Apparently you are struggling with the difference between legality and culture. There are many good dictionaries available.

 

It is exactly the same in principle. Should women 'demand that everyone else change', including the law in this case, to accomodate them? Of course they should.

 

Lack of change protects the privileged - straight, white men - who have had it all their way for as long as anybody can remember. If these enemies of progress were to have had their way in previous decades we wouldn't have black players in the England team today. Was it wrong to bring that change about?

 

Does it matter whether a top footballer is gay or not . whether a top sportsman is gay or not. we support them because they are great sports people.

 

I remember the inuendos about a certain fantastic footballer we had at the dell . I got to know him very well (know not that way). he was a brilliant lad and a friend

some one who was a pleasure to know. A down to earth honest person with a good personality.

 

Thats the way society should be irrespective of their sexuality .

 

I agree wholeheartedly. The issue is that we are not accepting these people irrespective of their sexuality - we are accepting them because we assume them to be straight. For one reason or another, not a single gay player feels safe in coming out. If someone were to do so, I have faith that most would do the right thing, welcome them and get on with it, but there would be a minority hellbent on giving them abuse and making them feel unwelcome on a football field. The players themselves seem to agree.

Edited 16 September, 2013 by DuncanRG

[CylonKing]

I just like rainbows, nothing more, nothing less! ;-)

[buctootim]

It is exactly the same in principle. Should women 'demand that everyone else change', including the law in this case, to accommodate them? Of course they should.

 

Actually its utterly different. In one case half the population are denied access to basic freedoms by law. In the other case a minority have full legal rights to everything the majority have. Hyperbole never wins an argument.

[iansums]

I really can't see how the "boyfriend" song can be seen as anything other than a tired, hackneyed but once very amusing and harmless joke.

 

I found it funny the first time I heard it and every time since. If it offends some people, tough, I couldn't give a feck.

[orchardsaint]

I am disgusted that no one comes out to publicly confirm that they are hetrosexual either. It is essential that we know for certain about their preferences. Who is organising a campaign on this?

 

This. Who really gives a f*##. Also, no one has come out in defence of us gingers, and until that happens I will not support any gay/coloured/religious differently sectioned members of the world. You support your club and your players, and slag off the other teams players. If by this sledging you could put off said players, then ok. That doesn't make you homophobic/racist/bigoted or anything.

[Bucks Saint]

The issue is that we are not accepting these people irrespective of their sexuality - we are accepting them because we assume them to be straight.

 

Speak for yourself, I dont assume any such thing. I dont give it a moments thought because its not relevant.

[Ken Tone]

statisitcally two of our 25 man squad are going to be gay, so who are they?

 

Where do you get 8% from Turkish? The ONS figure is 1.5% gay or bi-sexual.

[DuncanRG]

Actually its utterly different. In one case half the population are denied access to basic freedoms by law. In the other case a minority have full legal rights to everything the majority have. Hyperbole never wins an argument.

 

Say the laws in Saudi Arabia were repealed, but when women went to matches they were shouted down and abused until they no longer felt welcome. Would they be right to demand a change?

 

Speak for yourself, I dont assume any such thing. I dont give it a moments thought because its not relevant.

 

Excuse my pronoun choice, of course I don't assume that either. I'm just trying to evoke some kind of collective responsibility.

[saint_ed]

I like them in the sky, but not on my football boots or arse.

[buctootim]

Say the laws in Saudi Arabia were repealed, but when women went to matches they were shouted down and abused until they no longer felt welcome. Would they be right to demand a change?

 

What would they chant at them? "Does your boyfriend know you're here?"