The captains of teams in Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League and Lotto Super League will wear rainbow armbands this weekend as part of the seventh ‘Football for All’ campaign, the Pro League announced on Thursday. Rainbow-coloured corner flags will also feature in matches.
This annual campaign aims to demonstrate the Pro League and its clubs’ commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respect. “We stand united against homophobia, transphobia, racism, and all forms of discrimination and inequality,” the professional football league’s organisers said in a press release.
“The goal is clear: everyone should be free to be themselves, both in our stadiums and beyond,” the League added.
The Pro League highlighted its strategic plan, which includes a guide created last year to support LGBTQIA+ inclusion in football.
Beveren and Union Saint-Gilloise were the first clubs to implement it, with Lommel joining this season. Additionally, Union Saint-Gilloise supports the Rainbow Refugee Committee, an initiative aiding LGBTQIA+ refugees.
Further emphasising its dedication to support accessibility and inclusion, the Pro League focuses on supporting individuals with disabilities and collaborates with organisations like Child Focus on “safeguarding” matters. This season, it introduced Project Bridge to raise awareness among clubs about the challenges faced by fans from immigrant backgrounds.
