February is the international campaign month of ‘Football v Homophobia’ (FvH) and Exeter City FC is supporting the initiative.
FvH is a campaign uniting football in opposing homophobia and prejudice against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) people in football.
Year round, FvH enables people to take action against prejudice and discrimination based on sexuality or gender identity in football, and to celebrate and welcome diversity in the game.
This culminates in an international show of support in February to raise awareness of the issue and to join together in making a visible stand against prejudice and for inclusion.
Exeter City is pleased to be supporting the campaign again this season.
Alan Quick, Co-ordinator of Proud Grecians and the Club’s FvH lead said: “Exeter City Football Club has shown outstanding support and been taking a stand against homophobia every year since the FvH campaign began.
“With the support of Proud Grecians, its LGBTQI+ Allies and Supporters Group, its One Game One Community Group, the Club has held dedicated FvH games every year.
“Players and match officials wear FvH shirts to warm up, volunteers give out leaflets and Isca Apollo FC, the Exeter-based LGBTQI+ inclusive team also attend the dedicated game. Isca Apollo FC is an Exeter City FC affiliated team.
“The club recognises that homophobia, prejudice and discrimination against LGBTQI+ people in football is unacceptable and Exeter City is committed to creating safe and inclusive football environments for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
“Remember, football is for everyone.”
Results of a 2024 survey (Out and Out Football) showed 74% of respondents - all LGBTQ+ - said they had experienced or heard anti- LGBTQ+ abuse when watching football. Less than a quarter of those people said they had reported the incidents, suggesting a lack of confidence or awareness of available reporting channels.
But this type of discrimination doesn’t just impact LGBTQ+ people.
Using homophobic or transphobic language, or putting someone down because of their gender just because you don’t like the way they play football, manage a team, make a refereeing decision or because of whom they support is wrong.
It’s against the Laws of the Game and can be a criminal offence, but most importantly, it can make football an intimidating and unpleasant place for fellow fans, players, and match officials.
An increase in homophobic language and abuse on social media, in the stands and at grassroots in recent years means that we all need to make sure that we stand up to homophobia in the game. Fans can make a real difference to the culture of football, and we’d like your support.
We know that change starts with education and Exeter City recognises it has a role to play in leading the way on raising awareness of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination within the club and its community.
Exeter City believes in a game where LGBTQ+ people can be seen and heard, and valued for their contribution to football. Exeter City will work to create a safe and welcoming football environment for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We want our supporters to help us achieve this.
Exeter City will be designating its game in support of the Football v Homophobia campaign v Bolton on Saturday, February 28.
This is an opportunity for our supporters to also get behind the campaign and show everyone that Exeter City is no place for hate or bigotry.
Find out more about the Football v Homophobia campaign and action you can personally take here: www.footballvhomophobia.com
- footballvhomophobia.com
- Twitter: @FvHTweets
- Instagram: FOOTBALL_V_HOMOPHOBIA
- Facebook: bit.ly/fvhpage
- Bluesky: @footballvhomophobia.com
- Use #FvH2026 in any social media posts supporting the initiative
At Exeter City, we are proud to foster a welcoming environment for all, regardless of your sexual orientation or identity. In our house, the only letters that matter are ECFC.
On the thankfully rare occasion that discrimination does occur, supporters can report this anonymously via the club's dedicated reporting line. Simply text 'HELP ECFC' to 62277 to report discrimination on match day.