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Nails Show of Strength Against Football Homophobia
8 Feb
Summary
- Players painted nails to support Borja Iglesias after homophobic abuse.
- Celta Vigo fans showed solidarity by painting 5,000+ nails.
- Abuse highlights homophobia as a structural problem in men's football.
Homophobic abuse targeting footballer Borja Iglesias has sparked a significant show of solidarity within Spanish football. Following an incident where Iglesias received hateful chants, Celta Vigo players and over 5,000 fans painted their nails during a match against Rayo Vallecano. This initiative aimed to counter intolerance and defend values of respect and equality.
Several prominent Spanish footballers, including Iglesias, Aitor Ruibal, and Hector Bellerin, have challenged traditional masculinity and spoken out on social issues. The abuse directed at Iglesias, and similar insults towards Ruibal, underscore a belief that homophobia remains a persistent structural problem in men's football, contrasting with a more tolerant environment in women's football.
Celta Vigo actively supported the campaign, amplifying the message through club channels and receiving widespread endorsement from diverse fan groups. Despite facing hateful messages in response, the club, alongside LGBTQI+ charity FELGTBI+, emphasized the necessity of such initiatives in creating a safer and more inclusive sport.
