Peter Tatchell

The head of the FA, Lord Triesman, has said that a  video challenging homophobia in football, which is due to be launched in 2010, is one of the FA's priorities.

Lord Triesman said:
"We remain committed to challenging all forms of discrimination in football and making the game open to all.

"We have been working closely with both Kick It Out and the Professional Footballers' Association on producing a film that has a strong anti-homophobia message and look forward to premiering this in the New Year.

"The FA has good links with organisations like the Gay Football Supporters Network and we're delighted that the recent Stonewall report supports our shared objective of football for all."

However, human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said that he will press the FA for stronger action.

Mr Tatchell commented:
"The FA should impose fines and match suspensions on players and managers who use anti-gay insults. Clubs that fail to act against homophobic chants should face fines and, in extreme cases, match suspensions or point deductions.

"OutRage! will urge the FA to secure the agreement of all clubs to feature anti-homophobia messages in their match programmes, on tickets and on posters and billboards inside and outside football grounds.

"Prevention is better than cure. Education against homophobia can help overturn bigoted attitudes and make the game welcoming and secure for gay players and spectators. Only then will gay players feel safe to come out."

FA spokesman Matt Phillips said:
"The FA recognises that football has a duty to tackle all discrimination within the game and aims to confront aggressive issues such as homophobia.

"There was a change in football ground regulations at the start of the 2007/08 season which saw homophobic abuse deemed punishable. The FA supported this breakthrough further by teaming up with the Gay Football Supporters Network to provide liaison officers who can advise and educate Premier and Football League clubs and their stewards on homophobia in the game.

"The FA is in constant dialogue with both the Football Supporters Federation and the Met Police and worked closely with Hampshire Constabulary following abusive chanting at the Portsmouth v Spurs fixture last year.

"Future plans will see The FA working with the likes of Peter Tatchell, the PFA and Kick It Out on a short film that aims to tackle homophobia in football.

"There is no place in the game for homophobic or racist abuse and the FA calls for the strongest possible sanctions to be taken against anyone who is found guilty."

To view the Stonewall report on football view:
www.stonewall.org.uk/football

For more information about Peter Tatchell view:
www.petertatchell.net