Joey Barton has joined the “Right Behind Gay Footballers” campaign, showing his support by wearing rainbow laces.
The QPR midfielder posted a photo on Twitter that shows him tying up the laces, along with the caption: “Show that peoples sexuality shouldn’t be an issue. Join the rainbow laces movement.”
RBGF has been set up by gay rights charity Stonewall and bookmakers Paddy Power, with clubs in the Premier League, Football League and Scottish Professional League being sent the rainbow laces in order for them to show their support.
Stonewall deputy chief executive Laura Doughty said of the new campaign: “It’s time for football clubs and players to step up and make a visible stand against homophobia in our national game.
“By wearing rainbow laces players will send a message of support to gay players and can begin to drag football into the 21st century.”
Barton also displayed an alternative use for the laces, tweeting: “Alternatively, if you have glorious, flowing locks like I do, you can use the laces as a headband!”
Photos: twitter.com/Joey7Barton