Albion will be supporting its dedicated LGBTQ+ supporters’ group, Proud Baggies, and the Football v Homophobia campaign when Blackburn Rovers visit The Hawthorns on Wednesday night.
All clubs in the EFL are currently playing with PUMA’s Rainbow Ball - celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and serving as a reminder that the sport should be enjoyed by everyone.
For each goal scored using the Rainbow Ball across the Championship, League One and League Two fixtures from 6-17 February, PUMA are donating money to Football v Homophobia, which will support the charity's ongoing work in tackling discrimination.
And on Wednesday, Albion are helping promote the cause in a number of ways - such as the players wearing special warm-up shirts, rainbow corner flags being used, and LGBTQ+ messaging going on the big screens.
Representatives from Proud Baggies will also be flag bearers and complete a Q&A at half-time. Plus, Boiler Man is even set to wear a special rainbow suit to give the campaign his backing!
Proud Baggies founder, Piero Zizzi, believes it’s crucial the club is once again showing its support to his group and the FvH movement.
“Dedicated match days like this are vitally important to raise awareness for issues still prevalent within football and wider society,” he said. “These campaigns help us to highlight the work we’re doing all year round to ensure West Bromwich Albion Football Club is free from homophobia, transphobia and all forms of discrimination.
“In the past year we’ve worked closely with the club and the Foundation on a number of projects. Proud Baggies FC, launched at the end of 2023, began training at the Academy Dome weekly, playing in tournaments and matches across the country in the famous blue and white stripes.
“We also had a rebrand with a new logo for both our supporters’ group and Proud Baggies FC, as well as a new banner pride of place in the West Stand. Birmingham Pride & Sandwell Pride were amongst other highlights of the past year, as we celebrated seven years of Proud Baggies.
“This month of course also sees the return of the EFL’s Rainbow Ball campaign. Last year, Albion were the first club to use Puma’s rainbow match ball when we took on Southampton in the Championship.
“That very ball is now in the National Football Museum in Manchester - another piece of LGBTQ+ history for this trailblazing, inclusive club… Albeit, we hope for a much better outcome from Wednesday's match!
“Having spoken with the new owners I know they’re very proud of the work we’re doing in this space and they’re fully supportive of us. To have that backing from all levels and all areas of club is important for us and what we’re trying to achieve.
“It’s encouraging to hear and gives us comfort knowing that, from the very top, people are focussed on doing the best for the club, not only on the pitch but off of it too, and with its community. Diversity and inclusion is embedded into the ethos of our club, going back decades, and we want to continue to ensure everyone feels welcome here; supporters, staff and players alike.”
In a recent survey by ‘outandoutfootball’, 74 per cent of LGBTQ+ football supporters said they had experienced or heard anti-LGBTQ abuse when watching football.
If you witness any homophobia, transphobia or any other form of discrimination at The Hawthorns you can inform your nearest steward or report the incident via the 'Kick It Out' app. For more information, please visit www.kickitout.org.