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By Tony Grew - 23rd June 2011
The home secretary has said football's governing body has been reluctant to tackle homophobia in the game.
Speaking at women and equalities questions in the Commons this morning, Theresa May said she wants all sports to be "welcoming to everyone and for players and participants in sport to be able to feel that there is no barrier for them".
"I do think there is one area where we need to work particularly in relation to homophobia and that's football," she told the House.
"Over time football has not done enough to be able to deal with this issue.
"Sadly, the terraces of football clubs are too often places where homophobic and transphobic comments are made."
She added that rugby has a better record of tackling homophobia than football.
May told MPs that the prime minister held a reception at Downing St last night to celebrate gay sportsmen and women, attended by representatives of the Football Association.
She gave her backing to a new charter signed by sport governing bodies pledging to tackle anti-gay abuse and attitudes, and encouraged "every club, team, player and fan" to sign up too.
Daniel Poulter (Con, Central Suffolk and North Ipswich) said the issue is particularly important in light of the government's desire to get more young people involved in sport.
Chris Bryant (Lab, Rhonnda) said it is "a great sadness" that there has only ever been one openly gay top flight football in Britain, and recommended that gay and lesbian role models be sent into schools to combat prejudice.
May said one of the problems is that so few sports people are openly gay and it is important that young people "get the right message".
Tom Brake (Lib Dem, Carshalton and Wallington) asked if the Olympics could be used to encourage more tolerance in the participating countries.
May said the Games are "a very important opportunity to send a message" to other nations that the UK is tackling homophobia in sport".
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