Gary Lineker will wear rainbow laces on Match Of The Day (Picture: PA)

England legend Gary Lineker has joined the campaign to kick homophobia out of football – and agreed to wear rainbow laces for Saturday night’s Match Of The Day.

The BBC presenter was sent a pair of the special bootlaces by gay rights charity Stonewall after he promised to wear them on-air.

His message of support follows backing from Premier League side Everton, including captain and England international Phil Jagielka, and other star players.

All 134 of England’s and Scotland’s professional clubs have been sent the laces produced by Stonewall and bookmakers Paddy Power. Organisers of the Right Behind Gay Footballers initiative had feared governing bodies or sponsors might put pressure on clubs and players not to wear them.


Laced up: Barton donned rainbow laces last weekend (Picture: PA)

Labour’s Ed Miliband, who describes himself as a lapsed Leeds United fan, has tweeted his support for the ‘great campaign’.



The Department for Culture, Media and Sport posted: ‘Hope to see lots @stonewalluk’s #rainbowlaces on pitches this weekend to help kick homophobia out of football!’

The hashtag #RBGF has been tweeted more than 26,000 times since the campaign launch on Monday, helped by celebrity supporters including Stephen Fry and Clare Balding.

Stonewall’s Richard Lane described the response from players and supporters this week as ‘overwhelmingly positive’.

You can show your support by tweeting @Metro_Sport using the hashtag #RBGF