New partnership tackles abuse of LGBTQ+ community in football
Kick It Out and Football v Homophobia launch new reporting relationship - as we mark Wear It Black and Pink Day
Last updated 19th Feb 2026
Kick It Out and Football v Homophobia (FvH) are joining forces to address the growing issue of abuse targeting the LGBTQ+ football community.
The partnership, announced to coincide with Football v Homophobia’s Month of Action, will see Kick It Out manage reports from both organizations while Football v Homophobia provides victim support through its network.
It comes as we mark Wear It Black and Pink Day - a day recognised around the world as the International Day Against LGBTQ+-phobia in Sport.
Today also marks 16 years of the FvH campaign - and the birthday of Justin Fashanu, the world’s first out gay pro footballer, who died in 1998.
Read more: Football v Homophobia: Month of action tackling 'disgusting' abuse
Centralised Reporting and Accountability
The two organisations say how a record number of homophobia reports at this stage of the season has prompted the collaboration.
Kick It Out logged 139 reports of homophobia across professional, grassroots, and online platforms, equalling last season’s total with several months of the season remaining.
Football v Homophobia is the latest organization to collaborate with Kick It Out following partnerships with Her Game Too and The Frank Soo Foundation, aiming to enhance fans’ confidence in reporting abuse.
By consolidating reports and data-sharing, the system is designed to foster transparency and accountability, including fines, bans, and education.
This initiative aligns with Kick It Out's five-year strategy, Football United, dedicated to uniting partners in football.
Since the 2019-20 season, there have been 845 reports of homophobia in football, making it the second most-reported discrimination after racism.
80% of these reports emanate from fans, with more than half targeting players at professional and grassroots levels. The Chelsea ‘rent-boy’ chant, now a criminal offence, accounts for over half of the 126 homophobic mass chanting reports.
Kick It Out’s data reveals transphobic abuse doubling in each of the last three complete seasons.
'Football must take stronger action'
Statistics mirror Home Office data showing an uptick in anti-LGBTQ incidents at Premier League and EFL matches last season.
Grassroots football also witnessed an increase in proven homophobic charges.
Kick It Out continues to manage reports, working with clubs and governing bodies to monitor trends and drive offender accountability through education.
Football v Homophobia, established in 2010, leverages its experience and networks to support those affected by this discrimination.
Chris Paouros, Kick It Out vice-chair, emphasized the need for stronger action to foster a sense of belonging and respect for LGBTQ+ communities in football, highlighting the persistent abuse despite progress.
He said: “The rise in reports of homophobia to us this season shows that despite progress, football must take stronger action so that LGBTQ+ communities feel a real sense of belonging and respect across the game.
"That comes from celebrating the community, increasing education, encouraging reporting and ensuring that greater accountability follows when incidents occur.
“Even though the homophobic chant related to Chelsea Football Club is now a criminal offence, we still receive reports of it being sung, and this season, homophobic abuse at grassroots level has increased sharply compared to last season.
“We’re pleased to enhance our relationship with Football v Homophobia to back the LGBTQ+ community, and believe this arrangement will help advocate for a game where everyone stands up to discrimination.”
Lou Englefield from Football v Homophobia pointed out that the data could be seeing the tip of the iceberg, and added: “While there has already been a large increase in reports of anti-LGBTQ+ language and behaviour in football to Kick It Out so far this season, it's important to note that incidents of homophobia and transphobia tend to go unreported, according to UK government research.
"A 2024 survey of fans who watch men's football and who are LGBTQ+ reflected a desire for homophobia to be tackled more seriously. However, less than a quarter of fans who said they had experienced or witnessed this type of discrimination went on to report those incidents.
"Through this new relationship, FvH hopes to build greater confidence in the reporting process for all those who are impacted by LGBTQ+-phobia, not just people who are lesbian, gay, bi and trans.”
Standing Against Discrimination
Globally, football players, coaches, and fans are encouraged to Wear it Black and Pink today, on on February 19th, for the International Day Against LGBTQ+-phobia in Sport.
It's all part of LGBT+ History Month, and is recognized in Spanish-speaking countries and has been previously acknowledged by notable football entities like FC Barcelona and the Mexican Football Federation.
Jon Holmes from Football vs Homophobia told Hits Radio Pride: "Unless we take action, then discrimination of all types will continue to increase.
"At the moment, we're seeing this rise, sadly, in anti-LGBTQ attitudes, because of the changes we're seeing in the wider social context, like in politics, at the moment.
"This is the 17th annual activation of Football v Homophobia in February, and what we want to do with the 19th of February is use it as an opportunity, and a day of awareness, so people can show their support for the campaign through social media, by wearing the campaign colours."
People are urged to get involved on social media, with the hashtag #FvH2025.
Separately, yesterday, PUMA has launched the ORBITA EFL Rainbow Ball, a vibrant new symbol aimed at promoting inclusion and unity within the football community.
Designed as an emblem of pride, the Rainbow Ball serves to reinforce the message that football should be a welcoming and inclusive space for all supporters.
The initiative aligns with the philosophy 'Football for Everyone, Hate for No One,' and is part of ongoing efforts to foster an environment where diversity is celebrated.
The campaign incorporates hashtags such as #EFLTogether and #EFL to emphasize the commitment to creating a football culture that embraces all individuals, regardless of background.