British Soccer
Stars to Blast Homophobia

Hoping to battle antigay sentiment in the world's most popular sport, the governing body of British soccer has agreed to fund a video featuring high-profile players blasting homophobia.

"After years of lobbying, the Football Association has agreed to approach top footballers to make an MTV-style video against homophobia," said Peter Tatchell of the gay rights group OutRage! Tatchell and his group have been pushing the association to take measures against homophobia among European soccer fans.

The association is now searching for an advertising agency to write a script and produce the antihomophobia video. Tatchell said his wish list of participating soccer stars includes David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.

"We're pressing the FA to get this video broadcast on TV and at matches on the giant stadium screens," Tatchell said. "We also want the FA to put it on YouTube and distribute copies to every school in the country."

The pressure for the association to do something about homophobia heated up last year after player Sol Campbell -- rumored by some to be gay -- was subjected to a torrent of homophobic abuse at games. And player Ashley Cole was repeatedly tormented by gay-baiters at games throughout 2006. (Neal Broverman, Advocate.com)