Markovic fine upheld - but is it enough?

What price a bigot?

The Justin Campaign has long been critical of Vlatko Markovic, the Croatian football federation president.

Last year the 74-year-old said in an interview that a gay player wouldn't play for Croatia while he led the federation.

He added he had never met a gay player because "only healthy people play football."

It sparked outrage not only from LGBT campaigners but also from football fans.

Uefa took the decision to punish one of the most powerful men in European football with a fine of $14,500.

When you consider the vast sums of money that the Croatian FA earns in a year through a variety of sponsorship deals and international game revenue then this amount was hardly a drop in the Adriatic Sea.

But still the footballing bureaucrat, who has since been re-elected to serve a fourth four-year term, decided to appeal the fine and attempt to get it overturned.

Thankfully, Uefa has seen sense and decided to uphold the punishment.

It is pleasing to see Uefa stand up to the diplomats who help fund its organisation.

If this ban had been overturned then completely the wrong message would have been sent out to football fans across the continent.

While the fine could have been a lot more, at least it still stands and is a firm sign that such comments are not welcome from those who run the game.

For if that is the message from the top, then what hope is there for those at the bottom looking for leadership.

But could Uefa not take a stronger stance and make this man stand down?

Their view is obviously no.

Uefa seemingly took the decision that it would be overstepping the mark to remove diplomats who have been elected by contemporaries, such as Markovic.

Any decision to reverse this would have no doubt overthrown the applecart and made its life a lot more difficult in the future.

While it is very easy to oppose this view, pragmatism, it seems, is the winner in this one.

But at least the officials in Switzerland have not completely ducked the issue.

Campaigners, fans, footballing authorities, everyone must work together if we are finally to bring some justice to tackling homophobia in football.

The Justin Campaign supports England cricketer Steven Davies

The Justin Campaign has backed England cricket player Steven Davies in his decision to publically acknowledge his sexuality.

The England and Surrey wicketkeeper today “came out” with the support of the cricket community, saying: “I want to be remembered as a good cricketer, not a gay cricketer”.

The Justin Campaign, which works towards promoting LGBT equality and inclusion in football, would like to add its public support to Steven’s decision.

Alan Duffy, of the Justin Campaign, said: “Steven’s decision and the support he has received from everybody in the game is proof that it is what happens on the pitch which counts.

“It is definitely a positive move and one that can only help promote equality in UK sport.

“Once again we see other sports take the lead while football remains one of the only major sports where people feel afraid to freely admit who they are.

“We look forward to the day when professional footballers feel able and free to make the same decision without the invisible barriers of bigotry, discrimination and hatred that is entrenched within the game.”

The Justin Campaign, which is named after the Justin Fashanu, the only openly gay professional footballer in the UK, who had to battle abuse throughout his career.

It works not to “out” players, but to create an environment where players and fans feel free to enjoy the beautiful game.

The campaign recently held an international initiative, Football v Homophobia, which was celebrated across the globe and had the backing of the FA and Uefa.

Notes:
For more details on the announcement see here.

For more details on the Justin Campaign’s work visit www.thejustincampaign.com and www.footballvhomophobia.com.

Take Your Place in the Beautiful Game: Second Annual Football v Homophobia Initiative

For anti-homophobia advocates, the latter half of 2010 felt like a match decided in PKs: suspenseful, eventful, and outrageous. After a summer defined by the drama and pageantry of the World Cup, things went back to business as usual, and the usual business is telling homosexual players and fans that there’s no place for them in the beautiful game.

In November, Croatian Football Federation President Vlatko Markovic said it, and in December, FIFA President Sepp Blatter said it. In both high-profile cases, the officials were heavily criticized and forced to apologize.

Apologies accepted, sirs – but with a caveat: it’s time for the world of football to accept its LGBT players and fans.

January 19, 2011 will be the second annual Football v Homophobia Initiative, an international day opposing homophobia in football (soccer). Organized by The Justin Campaign, the Initiative has already generated massive global interest, and was observed in eight countries in its first year.

Campaign Director Darren Ollerton hopes to build on this momentum. “As demonstrated by the narrow-minded comments from football industry officials recently, we have a long way to go in terms of nurturing an environment in both grassroots and professional football where sexuality becomes a non-issue,” Ollerton wrote to the group’s Facebook followers. “However, over the last twelve months some incredibly diverse organisations have emerged, facilitating a dense network of people globally who have ensured that homophobia in football is definitely on the public agenda.”

The Initiative offers a fun and easy way for all people to express their disapproval of homophobia in football, and it’s not limited to players. While many individuals and groups observe the event with an exhibition match, there are many other ways to participate as well.

The Justin Campaign organizers urge all supporters to blog, Tweet, and Facebook the event. Use your lists. Tell your league, your friends, your colleagues. Request promotional materials, such as posters, flyers, banners and stickers by emailing info@thejustincampaign.com, and disseminate them throughout your networks. Use the Football v Homophobia Initiative pre-designed email signature to include in your email communications, and download a pre-written letter to send to your local politicians (both available soon on the new Initiative site at http://www.footballvhomophobia.co.uk/). Submit your event proposals before January 19 to be included on the site, and send in your event photos and stories afterwards. Fund raise.

In 2010, the actions taken on behalf of football’s top governing bodies spoke as loud as the words of the game’s top officials. But the people also have a voice, and the Initiative is a way to unify our message: homophobia has no place in the people’s game. Participate in Football v Homophobia 2011.

Keph Senett is a Canadian writer living in Mexico who’s proudly played soccer on four continents. You can read more from her at kephsenett.com. She’s the Communications Officer for The Justin Campaign.

Ed. Note: This article was originally published on Red Card Homophobia.

A hollow apology

Just wanted to reflect on the apology statement made by Vlatko Markovic, the president of the Croatian football association.

The misguided figurehead caused enormous controversy when he told a newspaper that he would "certainly" not permit a gay player on the Croatian national team.

But, after facing the wrath of LGBT groups including the Justin Campaign, a few days later Markovic apologised for the comments.

His statement on the association's website said: "It was not my intention whatsoever to insult or hurt anyone. I have nothing against members of any minority, least of all against those of same-sex orientation.
"Once again, I apologize to all those who were hurt."

While it must be welcomed that an apology has been made, it must be asked if Markovic really means what is attributed to him.

Do people's view really change at the click of the fingers?

On the surface this appears to be a manufactured view which was initiated not by the official but by backroom staff in a public affairs exercise.

If he had really meant it, then surely a more public apology would have been made.

Whatever happened behind the scenes we must hope that actually the Croatian FA, and other footballing authorities, have learned from this ugly episode and, instead of its officials spouting bigoted soundbites, work will be done to promote the sport to all members of society.

Ultimately, this would mean more to fans and players than a well-thought out public affairs exercise.

This man must resign

Every now and then you read something that makes you feel ill.

In an interview in his home country, Vlatko Markovic, the president of the Croatian Football Association stated there was no place for homosexuals in the national side.

His exact comments were: "While I'm president...there will be no homosexuals playing in the national team.

"Luckily only normal people play football."

How such a vile bigot could reach such a prominent position is beyond the Justin Campaign.

This is such a massive step backwards for the whole movement to rid the beautiful game of homophobia.

The authorities in this country must sit up and take notice and put sanctions on the Croatian FA.

Any authority exhibiting such a prejudiced stance to any group should be seriously reprimanded. Further sporting tours of Croatia should be put under review until a full and comprehensive apology (or indeed, resignation) is secured from Vlatko Markovic.

The Justin Campaign will shortly present a petition requesting Markovic issue such an apology. Stay tuned for further details.