All 92 EFL and Premier League clubs will be supporting Stonewall’s initiative over the next fortnight with various activities including rainbow-coloured captains’ armbands, laces and programme adverts.
In a league first, EFL clubs will also be proudly displaying rainbow-coloured corner flags at matches this weekend, including the Iron’s fixture against Charlton Athletic. The bespoke rainbow-coloured corner flags sit at the heart of a wide range of activities that the EFL and its clubs will be undertaking as part of the Rainbow Laces campaign between 25th November and 3rd December 2017.
Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign aims to make sport everyone’s game with national teams, leading clubs, professional players, fans and grassroots players from across football showing their support for LGBT people in sport.
Shaun Harvey, EFL Chief Executive said: “We are proud to support Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign again for this season. Ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for supporters attending EFL matches remains a key priority but the EFL and our clubs are committed to providing a positive experience for all that stretches well beyond the 90 minutes of play.
“Our specific Rainbow Laces initiatives this year has seen EFL clubs come together to raise awareness of this important issue delivered through a range of activities, which this season includes converting all corner flags at EFL grounds up and down the country into rainbow colours. This follows the introduction of the bespoke EFL rainbow logo which celebrated the League’s burgeoning relationship with Stonewall earlier this year.
“The campaign very much complements the ongoing work our clubs are undertaking as part of the EFL Equality Code of Practice. Whilst acknowledging there has been progress made in this area, there is still work to be done. We can never be complacent and that is why the EFL remains committed to supporting campaigns such as this as we continue to promote diversity and inclusivity across all areas of the game.”