LFC backing FvH campaign

Liverpool Football Club is backing a week of action designed to tackle homophobia and prejudice against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in professional and grassroots football.

The FA-endorsed Football v Homophobia week of action runs from February 18 until 26 to highlight key issues in order to create welcoming and inclusive football environments.

Football v Homophobia was launched by The Justin Campaign in 2009, which was founded in 2008.

Their vision is to see both football and wider society value the contributions made by all people regardless of their gender and sexuality and challenge discrimination and prejudice against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

The Justin Campaign uses Football v Homophobia to work around the year to enable people to take action against prejudice and discrimination based on sexuality or gender in football, and to celebrate and welcome diversity.

Through the message of Football v Homophobia, the Justin Campaign provides support, communication materials, education and training to enable anyone - including fans, LGBT communities, grassroots teams, professional football clubs and football authorities - to communicate and promote inclusivity and unity.

The Justin Campaign's director of communications, Alan Duffy, said: "Football v Homophobia has grown into a global initiative, with fans, clubs and organisations coming together to celebrate the diversity of the football-loving world and to make a stand against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia within the game.

"We are delighted to have the support of Liverpool FC, support which will make a real difference in our campaign to make football a safe and secure environment for both LGBT fans and players"