Gays at the match

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manc ... 290534.stm

Very good move from City, in my eyes, and well done to them. BBC painting it as something of a 'pink recruitment drive', though, whereas I think it's good on them to try and remove some of the homophobia surrounding football.

Man City's gay recruitment drive

Manchester City FC has signed up to a scheme to help it attract more gay fans and staff.
The club has paid a four-figure sum to join the Diversity Champions scheme, run by gay rights group Stonewall.

It is the first professional club to join the scheme, which focuses on a range of gay-friendly initiatives. The club said it wanted to send a welcoming message to gay, lesbian and bisexual supporters, be inclusive and be a progressive employer.

Stonewall chief executive Ben Summerskill described Man City's decision as a "significant step" for English football. He said: "Manchester City should be congratulated for putting their head above the parapet and moving into the 21st century."

In the next few weeks, the organisation will be looking at specific areas to target and work on with the club. Mr Summerskill said: "The work can range from looking at recruitment processes to what's already going on in the workplace, to developing marketing strategies.

"It is mainly about Manchester City wanting to be an exemplary employer."

Mr Summerskill said he believed that a more gay-friendly environment would attract more straight fans, as well as homosexuals, because families were more likely to attend an atmosphere free from homophobic abuse.

He added: "If we help to get the club more supporters, more money and better staff, then they will have better training, better facilities, and it is all part of a virtuous circle of success."

Also reported in the Observer

http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Sto ... 35,00.html

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So then folks, jokes about Charlton strikers and Sol Campbell aside, debate as you wish

[americantrotter]

It's a good move, there is no place for homophobia. Will the average footie fan comply? We'll see.

[Winter Hill White]

Yep - smart move by City. I'm no financial expert, but the "pink pound" is often talked about - a fairly affluent section of society in Manchester, I would have thought. Lots of disposable income to spend on the ever-increasing cost of watching football.

[Winter Hill White]

Yep - smart move by City. I'm no financial expert, but the "pink pound" is often talked about - a fairly affluent section of society in Manchester, I would have thought. Lots of disposable income to spend on the ever-increasing cost of watching football.

[communistworkethic]

Well City are usually hanging round the bottom of the table and are situated in the arse-end of town.

You'd think Fulham would target the gay community really wouldn't you?

[Le Snake]

By 'gay friendly' I assume they're talking about your stereotypical flamboyant, effeminate gay guy. There are gays out there who would be more than happy to see a return to hooliganism, for example. I wonder if they'll be accomodated?

[jetsetwilly]

They are offering gays cheap entry to the 'Bell End' but they can only get in through the back door

[americantrotter]

[Zulus Thousand of em]

So, could John O'Shea become one of that select band of footballers who plays for both Manchester clubs? (Allegedly!)

[Bruce Rioja]

There are gays out there who would be more than happy to see a return to hooliganism, for example.

Really? Well we can soon sort that out. Hand them some boxing gloves and let them go and beat each other around the ring.

[mummywhycantieatcrayons]

All sounds like a load of PR bullshit to me. If gay blokes want to go to the football, they'll go. And I suspect the ones that do go will be rolling their eyes at the idea that a 'gay-friendly initiative' might be targeted at them.

[CAPSLOCK]

I'VE NOTICED A LOT OF EYE ROLLING ON HERE RECENTLY

YOU SAYING THIS IS A SITE FULL OF COCOA SHUNTERS?

[communistworkethic]

And what exactly is a "gay friendly initiative"? Will they be stocking Jean Paul Gaultier after shave in the gents? Putting adverts for Kurt Geiger shoes in the programme? Moisturiser packets with the meat pies? Strawberry Dacquiris instead of John Smiths? Pink napkins? Cushioned seats?

[TANGODANCER]

I can imagine opposition fans having a field day with that one.

[communistworkethic]

and they'd have to change that column in the programme - "played for both sides"

[Bruce Rioja]

Man City's gay recruitment drive

Manchester City FC has signed up to a scheme to help it attract more gay fans and staff.

Maybe they'll be looking after confectionary in the club shop.

[warthog]

By 'gay friendly' I assume they're talking about your stereotypical flamboyant, effeminate gay guy. There are gays out there who would be more than happy to see a return to hooliganism, for example. I wonder if they'll be accomodated?

Reminds me of the 'Naked Civil Servant', a TV play about Quentin Crisp.

"So, some roughs are really queer," muses Crisp, on accidentally outing one of the local thugs. "But some queers are really rough," he continues after getting a good kicking for his insight.

[americantrotter]

Count me as unimpressed folks.

[communistworkethic]

well as long at they make a decent fist of it.

[enfieldwhite]

I think it's wonderful to see Man City widening the circle of their friends. (snigger)