By Paul Mallon | #RBGF
Right now, the anti-homophobia campaign Paddy Power and Stonewall are running is testing the robustness of Twitter’s servers. For those at the back, we’re Right Behind Gay Footballers and are urging players to wear Rainbow Laces this weekend to show their support. Loads of legends are involved (and Black Lace) and REAL fans are politely asking clubs to show their support and be positive role models.
5,000 footballers in the UK. None of them are gay.
Here’s a recap on the whole shebang….
Breaking news on a quiet Sunday
Show that peoples sexuality shouldn't be an issue. Join the rainbow laces movement. #rbgf @stonewalluk @paddypower pic.twitter.com/mn3l4OTsLg
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) September 15, 2013
On September 15, QPR footballer Joey Barton announces he’s supporting the Paddy Power and Stonewall campaign to tackle homophobia in football. Joe follows up with a stylish alternative for those with luscious locks…
Alternatively, if you have glorious, flowing locks like I do, you can use the laces as a headband! #rbgf pic.twitter.com/wDvdvZY9Sb
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) September 15, 2013
Twitter explodes
Some people get it…
@Joey7Barton You might be one crazy fuck sometimes. But your heart is in the right place.
— Chris Halvorsen (@Chris_Halvorsen) September 16, 2013
Some don’t…
https://twitter.com/ELFGAGI/status/380958741799399424
Yet.
But Paddy Power makes our position known
Let’s kick football into the 21st Century. Please RT if you’re with us! #RBGF pic.twitter.com/tDBGUWFUnX
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) September 16, 2013
The Hull City FC and Ireland midfielder David Meyler is one of the first on board. Nice one, David.
https://twitter.com/DavidMeyler7/status/379896560722923520
Leyton Orient take the laces for a spin
MOOOONNEYYY!@leytonorientfc striker Dave Mooney shows off his Rainbow Laces before the game tonight #RBGF pic.twitter.com/ydwrSgKxAi
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) September 17, 2013
Striker Dave Mooney sends us this lovely picture of his kit before a game (above).
…and Dave in action against Notts County. The result? A 5-1 win for Orient. So, no problems with the laces. Meanwhile, the debate raged on Twitter. Dive into the latest reaction at #RBGF. Loads of positive comments. Some gorps, but that’s the weird democracy of social media, isn’t it?
Well played, Stephen Fry, Gary Lineker, and Everton
Everton FC, the great Stephen Fry, Stan Collymore, Matt Le Tissier, Boy George, Matt Lucas, Gareth Thomas, Mark Bright, Gary Lineker, Martina Navratilova, and, of course, hundreds of thousands of fans stormed social media supporting the campaign.
It shouldn't matter what team you play for. I am right behind gay footballers (stop it!) #RBGF – RT to show support
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) September 18, 2013
Red. Blue. Gay. Straight. Couldn't. Care. Less.
Here's what is important says @Everton captain Phil Jagielka #RBGF pic.twitter.com/cm7vPgKPia— Paddy Power (@paddypower) September 18, 2013
Want proof that it’s having an impact? The good folk at Twitter supplied us with these stats…
21,906 mentions of #RBGF since September 15
Twitter, take a bow.@StonewallUK, too
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) September 18, 2013
But not everybody supports the campaign
Wales rugby legend Gareth Thomas wrote this moving piece for the Paddy Power Blog, while Twitter maniac Not Big Sam penned this mind-bending epic. However, it’s fair to say that not everyone is on board. Manchester United, Spurs and Norwich are among those who announced they would not support the campaign because of a “lack of consultation”. How much notice do you need, then lads? It’s only a pair of laces. Go ahead and be sulky boots, Premier League.
Let Hammer Time Bear bring you up to speed…
The debate rages. Loads of top footballers in the English leagues have been in touch. Golf pros, rugby stars and celebs too. We’ve delivered Rainbow Laces to EVERY professional club in the UK and everyone we can catch. The message from Paddy Power is…
Seems some PL clubs won’t tell players to wear laces. Good. It’s about personal choice; that’s the whole point. https://t.co/4ToormNLN3 #RBGF
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) September 20, 2013
Still, we’d like to remind people that these laces look great. Here’s Gareth Thomas from the gym this morning…
Off to the gym proudly wearing these. pic.twitter.com/tBr0J50gsk
— Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) September 20, 2013
Joey Barton on the Clare Balding Show last night. Great stuff, Joe.
Rocking rainbow laces on @clarebalding show last night. Not just about players, supporters too can lace up! #RBGF pic.twitter.com/PyMq6Q4clK
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) September 20, 2013
Charlton reiterate their support…
A reminder of Chris Powell's stance on players wearing rainbow laces tomorrow –> https://t.co/JqtjrQxvSY #RBGF #cafc pic.twitter.com/uiBj6CzBju
— Charlton Athletic FC (@CAFCofficial) September 20, 2013
And a more stylish execution on Friday morning. Nice, Grainne. See, footballers, it’s easy.
We endorse this kind of creativity! RT GrainneDaly1981 1m @paddypower #RGBF in the office pic.twitter.com/eV3bcJmeuk
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) September 20, 2013
Either way, we cannot wait for the weekend.
My rainbow laces have just arrived in the post. Lord only knows what shoes I'm going to put them in for #MOTD #RBGF pic.twitter.com/VFMatR4POo
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) September 20, 2013
How do I get Paddy Power Rainbow Laces?
- Enter via this Facebook app for your chance to win a pair of Paddy Power Rainbow Laces (desktop and mobile) >
- Paddy Power’s shops have a limited stock. Find your nearest shop here – but it’s first come, first served >
Read more about the campaign and our association with Stonewall.org.uk here