Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal to show support for lesbian, gay, bi and trans players

Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool FC, and Hull City are all involved (Photo: Action Images)

Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal head a Premier League contingent to join Premiership Rugby, Football Association, English Football League, Rugby Football Union and sports clubs around Britain in taking part in the Rainbow Laces takeover this weekend.

The campaign aims to show support for lesbian, gay, bi and trans players and fans.

Rainbow Laces-themed activities will take place from 21-27 November across both professional and grass roots sports clubs.

The Premier League have been actively involved and will prominently feature the campaign at all games this weekend.

Perimeter advertising and a giant Premier League Rainbow Laces flag to open games are amongst the additional acts of support.

In addition to Premier League Clubs, teams from the Championship, League One and League Two, English Football League, Premiership Rugby and Welsh Rugby will also be involved.

Numerous players will don the Rainbow Laces during training and games, while the Wembley Arch will also be lit up in rainbow colours on Saturday 26 November.

The initiative follows Stonewall research that shows 72 per cent of football fans have heard homophobic abuse at grounds around the country.

The research, conducted by ICM, also demonstrated that the majority of fans would welcome fans from the LGBT community. Moreover, 63 per cent said more should be done to integrate the LGBT community into sport.

A film has been released to demonstrate the effects of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic language, including Team GB canoeing champion Matt Lister, Sophie Cook, club photographer for AFC Bournemouth, and former England and Team GB women’s football captain Casey Stoney.

Premier League Executive Chairman, Richard Scudamore, said: "The Premier League is all about exciting, passionate and unpredictable football that is for everyone, everywhere.

"The Rainbow Laces campaign complements the work clubs are doing to promote inclusion and diversity in their stadiums, and across all levels of the sport.

"Our support for the campaign, and the decision to become members of Team Pride, is further recognition that the LGBT community is a vital and integral part of our community."