Ipswich Town backs Justin Fashanu anti-homophobia campaign

The rainbow flag is flying at Portman Road for Lesbian Gay Bi-sexual Trans Gender history month

Ipswich Town will use Saturday's home game against Cardiff to back a campaign against homophobia in football.

The campaign has been inspired by the late Justin Fashanu who was among the world's first openly gay footballers.

There will be tannoy announcements at Portman Road and a feature in the match day programme.

Camilla Haycock, spokeswomen at Ipswich Town, said: "There is no place for homophobia in football and the Ipswich Town is happy to support the campaign."

The Football v Homophobia project is the brainchild of the Justin Campaign, which has been working with the club and Suffolk Police as well as other clubs across the UK.

'Undermines communities'

Jason Hall, campaign founder, said: "The response to Football v Homophobia this year has been fantastic and we are delighted to have the support of both Ipswich Town and Suffolk Police.

"It is all about giving the community the opportunity to take their own individual stance and spread the word in the fight against homophobia in football."

Ch Supt David Skevington, Suffolk county policing commander, said: "Hate crime is a serious crime that undermines our communities.

"Police officers inside and outside the ground will not tolerate any sort of hate crime, including offensive chanting.

"The club's work to make the game more inclusive for everyone is something we are pleased to be associated with."

Norwich City, the club where Mr Fashanu made his name, is hosting a charity five-a-side tournament organised by Norwich Pride on Sunday - which would have been the player's birthday - at its Carrow Sports Park starting at 14:00 GMT.