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Hove MP sponsors EDM following report on homophobic chanting

Besi Besemar April 19, 2013

Mike Weatherley, MP
Mike Weatherley, MP

Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, has sponsored an Early Day Motion (EDM) calling on  football clubs, supporters, the police and football authorities to act against homophobic chanting during football matches.

His action follows the publication of a recent report which showed that Brighton fans have been subjected to homophobic abuse:

•            by at least 72% of opponents they have faced this season;
•            in at least 70% of away games; and
•            in at least 57% of all their matches so far this season.

EDM 1265 (Homophobic Chants at Football Games), highlights the extent of the problem of homophobic insults used at Brighton & Hove Albion games and calls for action from the host of parties involved with football matches.

Mike said:

“Given the nature of this problem, I was keen to highlight this issue in Parliament. Homophobic behaviour at Albion games – and football games in general – is totally unacceptable and has no place in sport or civilised society. Fans can be assured that I will continue to address this issue until these narrow-minded insults are a thing of the past.”

EDM 1265 – Homophobic Chants at Football Games

“That this House welcomes the report from the Brighton and Hove Albion Supporters’ Club (BHASC), along with the Gay Football Supporters’ Network (GFSN), that details evidence and a log of the level of homophobic chanting at both home and away matches; recognises the extent of the problem when Brighton fans have been subjected to homophobic abuse by at least 72 per cent of opponents they have faced this season; agrees with the report that, although chants range from what would be considered to be mild to much more offensive, if these words relating to a person’s sexuality were replaced with words relating to someone’s race or skin colour, appropriate action would be taken; further recognises the good work both the BHASC and the GFSN have done in highlighting this problem; and calls for the clubs, the football authorities, the police and relevant authorities to work with them to eradicate this abuse”.

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