A series of posters aimed at fighting homophobia in sport have appeared across Copenhagen bearing the message “Fodbold for alle’ or ‘Football for all’.
The advertisements depict male and female football players with their faces painted with the colours of the rainbow flag.
It’s part of a campaign supported by Amnesty, the Copenhagen City Council, The Danish Football Association (DBU), the Players Association and Fair Fans.
“Homophobia is still a part of Danish football,” says Huddersfield Town player Mathias Zanka Jørgensen
“Together, we can make sure everyone feels welcome in the stadium, in the club and in training. Football is our sport. There must be room for everyone.”
Anna Mee Allersley—the Employment and Integration Mayor in Copenhagen— added that it was important that LGBT+ children were not excluded or made to feel “like they cannot be themselves”.
“Unfortunately, homosexuality is still a taboo in the sport today. That's why it's amazing that the national team players are at the forefront, for more diverse national teams in the future.”
Earlier this year, a nationwide campaign was launched to fight back against homophobic chants at matches and inappropriate dressing room behaviour.
"Tolerance has always been a core value in football - as we have seen in the campaigns against racism,” said Danish League CEO Claus Thomsen.
“We are very pleased that we together can campaign against homophobia.”
