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‘Haters will hate’ – Wor Flags release statement on flag display for Newcastle v Burnley

‘Haters will hate’ was just one of the things said as Wor Flags release statement on their flag display for Saturday’s Newcastle v Burnley match.

One of the many benefits of Mike Ashley leaving the Magpies has been the return of the much loved group Wor Flags who are often seen emblazoning stands with banners and flags.

It makes for an exciting atmosphere, boosting passion and quite frankly who doesn’t like stuff like this – after all, us English fans do get jealous of tifos at games elsewhere in Europe.

The pre-match flag displays at Newcastle has been thrusted back into the limelight as part of the matchday routine.

Ahead of Saturday afternoon’s Premier League match against Burnley, Wor Flags on Saturday morning decide to issue an official statement.

THEY WROTE:

In recent years, we have put together displays during pride month to show our support for and solidarity with LGBTQ+ fans of our club. Over the past week, we’ve seen the club take part in the rainbow laces campaign and, before that, we were glad to see them voice their support for Josh Cavallo.

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Todays display of old and new flags, put together with the support of United With Pride, is a message of support to the club for their participation in these campaigns, a statement of solidarity with Josh and any other players who may be afraid to be their true selves, and a message to all LGBTQ+ fans that we will do our part to ensure St James’ Park is a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

Thanks to Fans For Diversity for providing funding. We are grateful for their support and back their campaign to empower fans to enjoy our matches free of prejudice.

– STATEMENT ENDS –

Wor Flags was heavily praised as they chose to release a statement on the flag display for Newcastle v Burnley, see what everyone said below…

@Wight_magpie: Wear my United with Pride scarf every day. For all it stands for. For the club. I am United with Pride. #NUFC #HWTL ◼◻◼ 🌈

@mugga_tea: Bang on the money that!

@ToonForChange: Well done to all involved 🖤🤍

@JohnJoh53849444: @AdamCrafton_ a small step in the right direction.

@Aman5ehgal: It’s everybody’s game. Well done @worflags 👏🏽🏳️‍🌈 ⚫️⚪️

@nufcrichys: good on you lads

@JBudrey: Fantastic unity. Fantastic club. So many people and players are afraid to come and be their true selves. Such a sad world we live in sometimes. A true message of support

@MagMuzz: So great that this is happening. But i’m already bracing myself for opposition fans calling us hypocrites which will be worsened by the inevitable swarm of saudi bots and the homophobic comments.

@Codurhammag: Fair enough lads st James’ is for everyone and we should stand with them know matter what 👍🏻

@stevieb: How can we call ourselves supporters if we don’t support each other? We are United, after all. Thank you for your tireless work into putting these displays together — particularly today’s when you could have turned a blind eye with scarcely an eyelid batted.

@wintynufc74: Was great to meet you and help with the display 🏳️‍🌈

@NUFCrumours: Great work – representing the club with pride.

@Worfourtwo: United. Let’s make that mean something.

@simmoinflight: So proud to be from the same part of the world as these glorious people, I love Newcastle, the club, the city and every single person from there

@petersnowdon: Class guys

@ForeverAYellow: Fantastic statement that. Haters will hate. Love wins.

STONEWALL’S AIM:

Our iconic Rainbow Laces have become a symbol of inclusion across sport and fitness.

Over a million of you have already worn the laces in support of LGBTQ+ inclusion. Now, we’re asking everyone to Lace Up and Speak Up and start the conversations we need to have to make sport everyone’s game.

This year, Rainbow Laces Day is Wednesday 8 December.

Sport and physical activity can bring so many benefits to our lives – not just in terms of our wellbeing, but also in the ways they bring people together. People from all walks of life can gain a sense of belonging and community through shared passion. And LGBTQ+ people deserve to be a part of this. We shouldn’t feel excluded or shut out just because of who we are.

Our Rainbow Laces have brought visibility for LGBTQ+ people in sport and awareness around our experiences. Today, more than a million people have laced up, and two thirds of sport fans who’ve seen the campaign believe they have a responsibility to stand in solidarity for LGBTQ+ fans of the teams and sports they follow. However, the numbers show there is still much to do.

20% of sport fans think anti-LGBTQ+ language is harmless if it’s just meant as banter (ICM for Stonewall, 2020).

43% of LGBTQ+ people think public sporting events aren’t a welcoming space for them. (YouGov for Stonewall, 2017).

33% of LGBTQ+ people who participate or follow sport are not out to anyone in their sporting life (Out in Sport, 2019).

Lace Up and Speak Up.

Visibility is important, but it alone is not enough. That’s why we’re evolving our Rainbow Laces from a symbol of inclusion to one of commitment.

Countless individuals, grassroots organisations, and sports clubs are already creating space for LGBTQ+ people and offering safety, security, and opportunity for those in our community. But we’re always strongest when we work together and uplift one another.

So let’s Lace Up and Speak Up. You can help drive meaningful change by starting conversations with those around you, and setting out clear commitments to making sports and fitness more welcoming for LGBTQ+ people. Why not take action today?

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