Stockport County will play using the English Football League (EFL) and PUMA’s Rainbow Ball in their fixture against Barnsley on Saturday 8th February (12.30pm KO).
Earlier this month, EFL and PUMA revealed the Rainbow Ball for the second year running to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and serve as a reminder that football is for everyone.
Last year, PUMA donated more than £16,000 to a LGBTQ+ Fans for Diversity Fund to help LGBTQ+ supporter groups raise more awareness and support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in football.
This year, for every goal scored with the Rainbow Ball across the Championship, League One and League Two fixtures from 6-17 February, PUMA will once again donate money to Football v Homophobia. This will support the charity’s ongoing work in tackling discrimination in this area.
Commercial Director, Olivia Hanvey said:
“Everyone at Stockport County is proud to be play a part in making the game more inclusive and welcoming for all our supporters.
“Playing with the Rainbow Ball on Saturday highlights our commitment to Stockport’s LGBTQ+ community and lets them know they are an important part of our Club.
“Working alongside the EFL and our players, manager and supporters, we strive to ensure Edgeley Park, and football in general, is a welcoming place for everyone as we stand Together Against Homophobia.”
The EFL and EFL Clubs will take swift and firm action against anyone identified as being responsible for discriminatory language and behaviour, working with the relevant authorities to ensure perpetrators face club sanctions and potentially police action, alongside the offer of education.
If homophobic or discriminatory abuse is witnessed, it can be reported directly to Clubs through Kick It Out, the EFL’s reporting tool, or by alerting a steward. Supporters can also use our in-game text messaging service to report such behaviour – simply text 60777, starting your text with SCFC. Sending a text will cost your standard network charge.
Trevor Birch, EFL Chief Executive Officer, said:
“The EFL has an important role to play in ensuring our game is representative of and welcoming to all the communities we represent.
“The Rainbow ball stands as representation of our work with Clubs throughout the season and is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and that we stand proudly together against homophobia.”
