LFP to scrap Rainbow Shirts campaign and move towards anti-homophobia and anti-racism badges

According to RMC Sport, the LFP will scrap the Rainbow Shirts, which have marked the organisation’s anti-homophobia campaign in recent seasons. 

On Thursday, the LFP held a three-hour meeting to discuss the details of their anti-homophobia campaign going forward. In past seasons, Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 players have worn shirts with players’ names and numbers printed in the colour of the rainbow, however, last year’s campaign was mired by controversy, with many players refusing to wear the shirt. 

Whilst the LFP will move on from the Rainbow Shirts, action will still be taken to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia in May. A rainbow badge will be worn on the shirtsleeves, according to RMC Sport. During the month of March, a badge will also be worn to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This decision was taken in collaboration with partners and players. The majority of the latter were reportedly keen for the fight against racism to be put on a level footing with the fight against homophobia in Ligue 1. 

According to RMC Sport, some associations were in favour of the switch away from the Rainbow shirts, but others, such as Panamboyz and Girlz were in favour of retaining the campaign in its current form. No vote took place in what was described as an “exhausting” meeting. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle