Rainbow numbers on Ireland jerseys don’t go far enough as cloud of homophobia hangs over World Cup
MORE than one million footie fans will descend on Qatar for the FIFA World Cup this month – but concerns remain high over how the Gulf nation will treat LGBTQ+ visitors.
In Qatar, being gay is illegal and punishable with up to seven years in prison, or even the death penalty for Muslims under Sharia law.
Qatar’s human rights record has led to calls for teams and officials to boycott the tournament, which kicks off on November 20.
European squads have announced they will wear armbands with rainbow hearts at the tournament.
It is not easy to come out as gay in football, but last year players Josh Cavallo and Jake Daniels bravely did just that.
Back in Ireland, members of Dublin Devils FC – the capital’s LGBTQ+ and inclusive football club – say more must be done on home soil to stamp out homophobia in football.
Writing in The Irish Sun on Sunday, team captain Adam Kane, left, calls for a fresh approach from the FAI towards awareness, LGBTQ+ inclusion and zero- tolerance bullying policies.
READ MORE ON WORLD CUP 2022
WHEN Blackpool forward Jake Daniels came out as gay in May this year, it was undeniably a historic moment for football.
Fast forward six months and a dark cloud of homophobia and criminalisation hangs over the biggest footballing spectacle on Earth.
At just 17 years of age, Jake Daniels became the only “out” gay male professional footballer in Britain and one of a handful around the world.
When he came out, Daniels, below, said: “I told my mum and my sister. The day after, I scored four against Accrington, which shows how much of a relief it was.”
Most read in The Irish Sun
For young people to know they can publicly identify as gay while playing high-level football is a game changer.
The FIFA World Cup in Qatar stands in sharp contrast to the progress represented by Jake Daniels’ announcement.
It is a reminder of the dark days of criminalisation and homophobia, which is still a reality for so many around the world.
Hosting the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the dangerous homophobic comments from a Qatari World Cup ambassador, and the empty rhetoric from FIFA itself leave LGBTQ+ people feeling unwelcome in football.
MOMENT FOR CHANGE
This is the moment for a step change from FIFA, the FAI and the whole footballing community.
We need to improve LGBTQ+ visibility and participation from grassroots to professional football, so more players can live their truth like Jake Daniels and feel safe on and off the pitch.
The FAI should publish an LGBTQ+ inclusion policy that ensures coach and referee education, zero tolerance on homophobic bullying and chanting in both dressing rooms and the stands, and a dedicated FAI LGBTQ+ development officer to work with clubs.
One-off gestures like rainbow numbers on the Ireland football jersey do not go far enough.
ONLINE ABUSE NEEDS TO BE STOMPED OUT
Our governing body needs to be more active and publicly support initiatives such as the Rainbow Laces campaign.
It needs to participate in Dublin Pride and regional Pride marches, alongside the GAA and IRFU.
Social media companies must stamp out accounts that abuse footballers, whether the accounts are homophobic, racist, sexist or otherwise.
The online space is just as important as a stadium or training ground.
LESSONS SHOULD BE LEARNED
This extends to anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+ and has to deal with online abuse.
If the decision to host the World Cup in Qatar has done one thing, it has highlighted that the footballing community has a lot of work to do if it wants to be welcoming for all.
Back at home, despite being in a hyper-masculinised environment, Dublin Devils FC, Ireland’s largest LGBTQ+ inclusive football club, has gone from strength to strength.
The club became the first Irish team to reach the final of the Gay Football Supporters Network Cup earlier this year.
Read More On The Irish Sun
As a club, we hope the footballing community reflects on the impact of hosting the World Cup in a place where LGBTQ+ people are criminalised.
Formed in 2005, Dublin Devils FC is a LGBTQ+ and inclusive football club. To get involved, see dublindevilsfc.com.
