Dutch FA stands up against ‘Homophobic’ Chants
As of next season, the Dutch FA (KNVB) will take action in football stadiums if visitors use the word ‘gay’ as a swear word for a player or referee, for example, in chants.
“Football is for everyone and from everyone. That does not include proclamations in which the word gay is used as a swear word. Together we have drawn that line. The steps we now take will be evaluated to see if they produce the desired result,” said Marianne van Leeuwen, director of professional football at KNVB.
Unanimous
At the general meeting of professional football organisations (AVBV) on June 27, delegates of the clubs turned out to be unanimous: all clubs want to get rid of ‘homophobic’ supporters’ chants. From the start of season 2023/’24, when ‘homophobic’ chants are directed at an individual, if they are massive, repetitive and/or prolonged, the stadium speaker will first warn the perpetrators. If they continue after two such messages, the match will be temporarily stopped.
Perpetrators will be tracked down and given a stadium ban of up to 18 months. The AVBV will evaluate the approach after the 2023/’24 season and further agreements will be made based on this.
Awareness and prevention
So far, the main focus has been on awareness and prevention to counter ‘homophobic’ speech bans. The measures mentioned above will be added to this. These are part of the overall approach to jointly keep football accessible, hospitable, and safe for all.
EFDN also is committed to several projects like All-in & Win in to increase knowledge & awareness to recognize discrimination in grassroots sports towards members of the LGBT+ community. Together with two academic institutions, the John Blankenstein Foundation and multiple hockey & football national associations, we aim for the acceptance of LGBT+ and creating a safe & inclusive sport climate for people who identify themselves within the LGBT+ label.
Participation in sports is a human right and everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy its physical, social and mental health benefits regardless of their sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. Unfortunately, too many athletes experience discriminatory behavior and intolerance in sport. As a consequence, too many people are not willing to come out because they are afraid of the responses in their sport environment.
