Somewhere over the Rainbow… the #RBGF story so far

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

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…

Twitter explodes

Tumblr explosion

Some people get it…

Some don’t…

https://twitter.com/ELFGAGI/status/380958741799399424

Yet.

But Paddy Power makes our position known

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

Striker Dave Mooney sends us this lovely picture of his kit before a game (above).

Dave Mooney Leyton Ori

…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.

Want proof that it’s having an impact? The good folk at Twitter supplied us with these stats…

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.

Stop Hammer Time

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…

Still, we’d like to remind people that these laces look great. Here’s Gareth Thomas from the gym this morning…

Joey Barton on the Clare Balding Show last night. Great stuff, Joe.

Charlton reiterate their support…

And a more stylish execution on Friday morning. Nice, Grainne. See, footballers, it’s easy.

Either way, we cannot wait for the weekend.

How do I get Paddy Power Rainbow Laces?

Read more about the campaign and our association with Stonewall.org.uk here