As part of Manchester United’s ongoing commitment to equality under its #allredallequal campaign, the club is taking part in Stonewall’s fortnight of action and is supporting the Rainbow Laces initiative.
United are the only football club to work directly with the charity as part of TeamPride; a coalition of organisations committed to LGBT inclusion in sport and strengthening equality and inclusion within society.
The relationship with Stonewall continues to grow with the club hosting the Rainbow Laces Summit at Old Trafford in recent months, along with continued support and idea sharing.
Ahead of last Sunday’s kick-off on Saturday against Brighton, United’s players lined up in front of rainbow branding, which was also mirrored on plinths and the substitutions board.
Dedicated LED pitchside messages were on show at Old Trafford throughout the match, while the club social channels marked the occasion using the rainbow theme; an icon commonly shared within the LGBT community.
Group managing director Richard Arnold, said of United’s partnership with Stonewall: “Manchester United’s involvement in TeamPride shows that the club is fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
“We are constantly striving to ensure we are at the forefront of this essential area and look forward to supporting Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign under the banner of #allredallequal.
“We have the expertise of our staff and partners, working to make sure our ideas, methods and best practice are outstanding in all areas of equality, harnessed to the diverse family of fans around the world, to make Manchester United and Old Trafford a home for all.”
Earlier this year, Richard Arnold was recognised by OUTstanding, the charity which works alongside some of the biggest companies in the world, ensuring workplace equality and helping to eradicate discrimination, through a professional network of ideas and best practice.
The recognition for the club, and Richard sees the United man named as one of OUTstanding’s Leading Ally Executives for 2017, after a proactive 12 months for United, with work around equality and making a conscious effort to ensure the club is a welcoming place for all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds and individual characteristics.
United’s equality and inclusion work continues to grow with work and relationships supporting many communities of different backgrounds. Last year the club launched its own initiative #allredallequal which supporters can follow online for all the latest news and work from United.
