THE Premier League has reportedly terminated its partnership with Stonewall, bringing an end to rainbow laces and armbands.
The league had been partnering with the LGBTQ+ charity for eight years, campaigning for inclusivity in football and beyond.
GettyThe Premier League has terminated its partnership with Stonewall, bringing an end to rainbow laces and armbands[/caption]
Marc Guehi wrote a religious message on his rainbow armband last seasonPA
However, the Telegraph has now reported that Prem chiefs have brought that relationship to an end amid plans to launch new LGBTQ+ inclusion initiatives.
England’s top flight is thought to be planning to launch a new campaign of its own to coincide with February’s LGBTQ+ History Month.
It is reported that both The FA and Premiership Rugby are severing ties with Stonewall too.
Campaigns featuring rainbow laces and armbands had caused controversy across the Premier League in recent seasons.
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi – a devout Christian – was warned by the FA after writing a religious message on his rainbow armband last year.
While Ipswich Town skipper Sam Morsy – a practising Muslim – also refused to wear a rainbow armband during the same period but was not issued a warning.
The news of the Premier League’s decision to part ways with Stonewall comes after the league’s captains agreed for players to continue taking the knee against racism and all forms of discrimination.
The decision was made during a meeting between all 20 club captains.
LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall have partnered the Premier League for eight years with their rainbow laces and rainbow armband campaignGetty
AlamySam Morsy refused to wear the rainbow armband last term[/caption]
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Following the end of its partnership with the league, a Stonewall Spokesperson said: “Rainbow Laces has helped improve LGBTQ+ inclusion, acceptance and participation in sport at all levels, whether player, participant or fan.
“Rainbow Laces has helped to significantly shift the dial and while it can still prove difficult for elite players themselves to be openly LGBTQ+ on the pitch, there are now some role models.
“At the grass-roots level it is easier to participate and as a fan the LGBTQ+ community has increasingly felt more accepted.”
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