ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how English football stadia are described as an ‘unwelcoming’ environment by the LGBT fans in this research – as evidenced by their intense and hostile atmosphere, particularly at ‘derby’ matches (which involve local rivals). Accordingly, while many of these fans attend matches with a same-sex partner, they also spoke of the need to adapt their behaviour to avoid suspicion from other fans. Next, this chapter shows that despite these concerns, the overwhelming majority – more than four-fifths – believed that English football had become more accepting of LGBT inclusion in football in recent years. Indeed, most felt safe attending matches and also spoke of their routine acceptance in general football culture. The chapter also outlines a small number of fans – three – who reported negative social experiences while attending a match.
