Rainbow Laces: Bournemouth's Ryan Christie says players still crucial to campaign as Premier League shows support
Scotland star Ryan Christie says his captain at Celtic, Scott Brown, was an inspirational advocate; Joel Ward to wear rainbow armband for Crystal Palace in Super Sunday game at West Ham, live on Sky Sports; LGBTQ+ fans from Chelsea and Brighton discuss Rainbow Laces on Sky Sports News
@jonboy79
Saturday 2 December 2023 23:31, UK
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Players speaking up in support of campaigns like Rainbow Laces is still incredibly impactful, believes Bournemouth's Ryan Christie.
The Scotland international has been reflecting on the 10-year anniversary of the LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport initiative, which is currently receiving its annual activation from the Premier League and its 20 clubs.
Christie's professional career also began back in 2013, and for the majority of seasons since then, his club captain was Scott Brown who would become one of the best-known supporters of Rainbow Laces in the men's game.
Then Celtic skipper Brown appeared on the front cover of Scotland's Daily Record in August 2019 with rainbow facepaint on his cheek. In an interview with the newspaper, he said he wanted to be known as a strong ally to any players who were gay or bisexual.
Later that same year, Brown explained how his best friend's struggle with his sexuality had inspired him to be more vocal in campaigning for LGBTQ+ inclusion, telling Gay Times that for his friend, coming out «was the hardest thing to do in his life.»
Talking to Sky Sports about his captain's advocacy, Christie said: «Browny did a big press release up in Scotland supporting the cause and it was amazing from him.
»He was the club captain at the time, so a big figure as the main leader of the boys in the dressing room.
West Ham's
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