Football Association Cancels Anti-Homophobia Video
February 10, 2010
A short video premiere on tackling homophobia in the UK’s most popular sport was cancelled by the Football Association.
The video was set to be shown on February 11 by the FA’s anti-homophobia and racism body Kick It Out, but was cancelled because officials claimed more time was needed to work on the project.
The film’s two consultants, Peter Tatchell and former NBA basketball player John Amaechi, who came out in retirement, said the video was doused in homophobic slurs. Amaechi said the film’s approach would be ineffective.
"Football can't shock fans out of being bigots – this process requires a highly strategic, multi-modal approach, not to mention a significant investment," Amaechi wrote on his blog, "Ninety seconds of bad language that will only be seen on the internet is not a solution to the problems faced by football and the concept of trying to create a 'viral video' to combat homophobia in football feels crass at best."
Amaechi admitted that working with the FA on the issue of homophobia in the sport has been difficult. "I have reached out on numerous occasions to help the Premier League, the Football Association and even UEFA make the necessary changes to bring them into the 21st century, but there is simply too much denial in too many quarters to penetrate to the heart of the problem in football," he said.
Asked why more players have not come out in recent times, Tatchell said it may simply be a question of strategy, adding that despite the rampant homophobia the atmosphere is as good now as it has ever been.
"I wouldn't expect a player to come out by himself but I don't see any reason why three or four players shouldn't come out simultaneously. Players fear rejection, but that fear is grossly exaggerated," said Tatchell. "Most fans are not homophobic and most sponsors would not withdraw their support. But one of the problems is that players often feel they wouldn't receive wholehearted support from their clubs. That has to change."
