The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

Everyweeker wrote:
Society may be changing, but I still think outward signs highlighting that all are welcome (when there is a sense that a certain group might not be) is something I am happy to see continue.

The "Yes to Banter" and "Just a Ball game?" are the signs that as a club AFCR&D doesn't agreed with racism, sexism and homophobia and welcomes all. The rainbow flag is a pro LGBT which believe it or not is something that not everyone agrees with.

If the idea is for everyone to be equal then were do we draw the line. Do we have to display the Jewish, Islamic, Christian, Hindu, Heterosexual, Atheist flags etc to let them know they are all welcome at the Dog and Duck. We know everyone comes to the ground as equals, but putting a flag up supporting a certain group of supporters creates and "us and them" scenario.

So please can we keep any non football/AFCR&D flags for outside the ground. Have nothing against all the campaign sign-age around the pitch but please can we draw the line at political/certain groups flags. We are attending football games of a weekend not political/ pro LGBT rallies.

Spot on Dowlo. At the end of the day nobody really cares whether one is Christian or Muslim, English, Brazilian, Ethiopian, Black, white or Green with purple spots. The one thing that brings us all together, is that we're ALL Diamonds fans. The only flags that should be flown are that of AFC Rushden and Diamonds. Its our club colours that unites us regardless of colour or creed. Flags like this only serve to segregate the fansbase.

TwinkleToesTomlin wrote:Spot on Dowlo. At the end of the day nobody really cares whether one is Christian or Muslim, English, Brazilian, Ethiopian, Black, white or Green with purple spots. The one thing that brings us all together, is that we're ALL Diamonds fans. The only flags that should be flown are that of AFC Rushden and Diamonds. Its our club colours that unites us regardless of colour or creed. Flags like this only serve to segregate the fansbase.

Well said, unfortunately I can't see it going anywhere though so I might get one made up and flown as I'm a devout devil worshipper. As a supporter I have my rights too.

I agree football is for football and in general not for politics. Since the club apparently didn't fly the flag in the first place I don't think it's that big of an issue?

My only concern reading this thread is that I don't want the club to become unwelcoming. As someone posted the club colours unites us regardless of colour and creed, I just hope colour and creed won't prevent someone from wearing the club colours whether on the terraces or on the pitch. Don't think this is a problem and don't think this will be a problem but still want to note it

The club's official twitter feed yesterday suggested this is a campaign with ongoing support directly by the club - "The club proudly wearing rainbow ribbons today to help @justaballgame celebrate LGBT history month". I wonder how we prioritise which campaigns we support, distinguishing between this and other campaigns like "kick it out", "time to change", various anti-bullying / anti-abuse / anti-sexual discrimination / anti-poverty initiatives - or indeed whether we might support causes of the likes of "help for heroes". I don't think it is something which the members get a vote upon.