Man Utd pip Arsenal to top gong after 'concerted efforts' against discrimination
Manchester United have pipped Arsenal in the Professional Club category at the 2024 FootballvHomophobia Awards.
The awards, which were hosted at the National Football Museum in Manchester, aim to shine a light on the work to stamp homophobia out of the sport. United and the Gunners were both shortlisted in the professional team category, alongside Exeter City.
The League Two side finished in third place, with Arsenal the runners-up. That meant that United were named the winners, with the club's director of fan engagement Rick McGagh leading the delegation which collected the trophy.
In the programme for the night, awards organisers, campaign group FootballvHomophobia, named the club's work to stamp out the 'Chelsea Rent Boy' chant as one of the key points behind their win.
"Concerted efforts have been made by United to eradicate the discriminatory chant aimed at Chelsea fans, players and those with connections to the Blues," United's section in the programme read.
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"Working closely with supporters group Rainbow Devils, fans who attend games and those who don't were both educated and invited to empathise with LGBTQ+ people, with tangible results.
"Events such as 'One Love Live' - an allyship-focused panel discussion - were effective on building community, and the Foundation's work with local LGBTQ+ youth was also highlighted in the nominations."
Arsenal were pipped into second place (David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)The club's LGBT+ supporters group the Rainbow Devils hailed the win, as well as paying tribute to Eric Najib, who came third in the FvH Hero category. A statement from the group read: "A truly amazing night at the FootballvHomophobia Awards!
" Manchester United WON the Professional Club Award, while our chair Eric Najib came 3rd in a close-run contest for the FvH Hero award. Very proud of both today and what they have both achieved over the last few years!"
Arsenal were also highly commended for their work, in what was a competitive category. The judges singled out their work behind the scenes to ensure their employees felt safe to be themselves, no matter their identity.
"The Premier League club's strong, ongoing support for the GayGooners has been central to its wider 'Arsenal For Everyone' initiative. Staff consistently show a collaborative and empathetic approach," the programme notes read.
"And there were examples of how LGBTQ+ employees feel truly included. Anti-discrimination messages are effectively communicated to the whole fanbase through an impactful video that is now shown at the Emirates each matchday."
Elsewhere, Chelsea Pride chair Tracy Brown beat Najib to be named FvH Hero. And Scottish professional star Zander Murray was handed an outstanding Contribution Award for his work since coming out in September 2022.
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