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Premier League to show support for LGBT rainbow laces campaign

Rainbow laces will be more visible than ever in the coming days as football and rugby stand united in support of LGBT fans and players.

The Premier League, Premiership Rugby, Football Association, English Football League, Rugby Football Union and other sports clubs around Great Britain are taking part in a coordinated series of events to show common cause with the Stonewall charity's initiative.

Each Premier League fixture this weekend will feature a rainbow laces flag at the start of the match and and see rainbow-themed advertising boards, while there is also support throughout the professional and grassroots tiers of the game.

Laces will be worn by referees and handed out at a selection of fixtures across the nation, while the Wembley Arch will be lit up in rainbow colours on Saturday.

Similar actions will be carried out by Premiership Rugby and Welsh Rugby.

Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore said: "The Premier League is all about exciting, passionate and unpredictable football that is for everyone, everywhere.

"The Rainbow Laces campaign complements the work clubs are doing to promote inclusion and diversity in their stadiums, and across all levels of the sport.''