Gay fans warned holding hands at Russia World Cup will be dangerous
Piara Power, executive director of Fare, said the message is the same for gay, black and ethnic minority fans: ‘Do go to Russia, but be cautious’. Photograph: Tom Dulat/Fifa via Getty Images
LGBT fans will be warned about holding hands in public and other outward displays of affection when in Russia for the World Cup next summer. A cautionary guide will be produced by Fare – formerly Football Against Racism in Europe and now a pressure group that campaigns for equality in football – and dispersed to fans travelling to the tournament.
Being gay is not illegal in Russia but the country has a law banning teaching about homosexuality in schools and there are numerous cases where gay people from foreign countries have been attacked because of their sexuality.
