On Tuesday 7th March 2017, Charlton Athletic Football Club, in conjunction with Proud Valiants hosted its first ever FootballvHomophobia dedicated match. The opposition on the night was Scunthorpe United Football Club who themselves were also supporting the FvH campaign on the night.
FootballvHomophobia is an international initiative that exists to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation gender identity and expression at all levels of football. The aim is to take a clear stand against homophobia and transphobia so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful game and so that football leads the way in removing discrimination and prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity. February has been designated as the 'Month of Action' with professional and grass roots football clubs across the country hosting dedicated matches in support of the campaign.
On the night, both sets of players along with the match officials wore FvH t-shirts during their pre-match warm up to showcase the support for the 2017 FootballvHomophobia campaign. Prior to the kick off Proud Valiants Chair, Rob Harris and Vice Chair, Gary Ginnaw were interviewed pitch side to discuss the on-going work by the group and the tackling of homophobia in football generally.
Also, in attendance on the night was representatives from FootballvHomophobia along local LGBT Friendly Football Team, Bexley Invicta FC. The match ended with the Addicks winning 2-1 thanks to a very very late Tony Watt penalty!
Below - the Bexley Invicta FC team proudly supporting the Addicks on the night and delighted to be part of first ever Charlton Athletic Football Club FootballvHomophobia dedicated match!
For more information on the event please see the official CAFC press release at http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/charlton-football-v-homophobia-event-scunthorpe-united-3612151.aspx
