Sydney FC take stand against homophobia

"If we're not leading on this issue then we're just waiting for the next incident to happen."

Josh Brillante, Flying Bats president Emily Shrubb, Graham Arnold, Sydney Rangers FC president Joseph Roppolo and Alex Brosque

Josh Brillante, Flying Bats president Emily Shrubb, Graham Arnold, Sydney Rangers FC president Joseph Roppolo and Alex Brosque Source: Wolter Peeters

A-League club Sydney FC will show their support for LGBTI equality as they are set to display the rainbow flag prior to their match against Melbourne Victory on Friday night.

According to a report from , players from both sides will walk onto the field at Sydney's Allianz Stadium behind a rainbow flag ahead of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade.


Players from Australia's first football club for gay men Sydney Rangers FC, and the Sydney based Flying Bats FC - the biggest lesbian football club in the world, will carry the flag onto the field and take part in an on-field ceremony to fight discrimination in the sport.
Rangers president Joseph Roppolo was full of praise at the initiative displayed by the A-League team.

"We want to see a lot more strong leadership and proactive campaigns to address these issues, and I think that's what Sydney FC are doing today - more importantly, if we're not leading on this issue then we're just waiting for the next incident to happen," Roppolo said. 

Players from both the Sky Blues and Melbourne will wear rainbow shoe laces to show their support, with Sydney FC captain Alex Brosque highlighting the importance of promoting the game as an inclusive sport.

"We have a multicultural and diverse community and supporter base at Sydney FC, and we are committed to welcoming everyone into the Sky Blue family and to our games." Brosque said.

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Published 3 March 2017 10:35am
Source: SBS


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