Brentford Football Club are backing a campaign to encourage all footballers to show support for gay players and fans.
Stonewall – the lesbian, gay and bisexual lobbying charity – has sent rainbow laces to every professional club and footballer in Britain as they attempt to kick homophobia out of football.
The charity has asked players to wear the laces at games this weekend, September 13 and 14.
The campaign is designed to raise awareness of the issues around homophobia in football.
Brentford FC received rainbow laces from Stonewall and the players have been made aware of the campaign.
The Club will be leaving it to each individual player as to whether they wish to wear the laces.
Mark Devlin, Brentford FC Chief Executive, said: “We fully support Stonewall’s attempts to kick homophobia out of football.
“There should be no discrimination of any sort in any walk of life and anything the Club can do to make this happen will be done.
“The players are aware of the campaign and have been given rainbow laces.
“We are, however, very clear that it has to be an individual choice.
“All players have routines and superstitions regarding the way they prepare for a match and no-one would want to disrupt that.”
A Football League spokesman added: “Homophobia, transphobia or any other form of discrimination has no place in football and we are happy for players to demonstrate this by wearing rainbow laces in our competition should they wish.
“The Football League recognises the important role our game plays in wider society and how it can set a positive example for others to follow.
“In partnership with our clubs, we support a wide range of anti-discrimination work including that done by Football v Homophobia and the Gay Football Supporters Network.
“The League has worked in partnership with the other Football Authorities and organisations such as Kick It Out to develop a Code of Practice on Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination which is now enshrined in our rulebook alongside all the regulations that govern our competition.
“We will continue to work with our clubs, supporters and campaigners to ensure that Football League matches are a welcoming place for all members of the community.”
Ruth Hunt, Chief Executive of Stonewall, said: “The clubs and players supporting the campaign and lacing up this weekend are taking a powerful stand against homophobia in our national game.
“Our work in sport will continue all year round, but for this week we need as many people as possible to show their support and get involved.”