INSEL-REGELN » Lucie Hradecka in Fridays womens doubles semifinal.

The colours of the rainbow will be seen this weekend at football stadiums up and down the United Kingdom. The Rainbow Laces campaign carries a simple message: Make sport everyones game. The aim is to create awareness of homophobia and a pathway to stop abuse and change attitudes.The issues are huge. Homophobia in football still rife Rainbow Laces survey shows 72% of football fans have witnessed homophobic abuse at games Football Association chairman Greg Clarke told a committee of MPs in October that he wouldnt recommend that a male gay footballer come out publicly right now. The comments were viewed as clumsy and awkward; however, a relevant point had been made and a conversation had begun. Does an environment exist where a current footballer would feel comfortable to come out as a gay man? Thomas Hitzlsperger revealed he was gay after announcing his retirement from professional football We have been and are working so hard so that if a player felt they wanted to have the conversation about coming out, we would be there and offer any and all the support we could, the FAs Head of Equality Sue Ravenlaw said.We understand it would be such a difficult decision, but I reiterate all the support would be there. Hitzlsperger told Sky Sports in September that footballs battle against homophobia is still in its infancy There are currently many anti-homophobia charities striving to create that suitable and safe environment, in the event that a professional footballer does reveal himself to be gay. Football is in a bubble when it comes to gay men playing the game. Were used to stubborn professions and working with them, the army, navy, the Church of England, said Ruth Hunt, chief executive of Stonewall, the charity behind the idea of the Rainbow Laces campaign. LA Galaxys Robbie Rogers, formerly of Leeds United, became the first openly gay professional footballer to play in MLS We understand how difficult it could be for just the one to come out. It may be easier if a group of players came out together.While no professional footballer currently playing in England has revealed they are gay, many gay men play the game every weekend. Take a look at the trailer for the new short film WONDERKID, which portrays the inner turmoil of a young gay footballer Stonewall FC is the worlds oldest openly gay football club, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Eric Najib, who manages the clubs first XI, says attitudes towards the LGBT community in sport have changed massively in recent years, but believes homophobic abuse is still prevalent. WONDERKID: Whats the story? Sky Sports talent involved in new short film about a young gay footballer He said: Some see homophobic abuse as funny, a bit of fun banter, but its not.If a current gay footballer came out now, it would be massive - what a role model for many, many youngsters who may be right now confused. Instead of losing them to football or other sports, theyd have a role model. I could maybe see in the next two or three years, perhaps a player coming out, but it would have to be their choice. They must not be forced. Also See: Homophobia in football still rife Amaechi addresses homophobia WONDERKID: Whats the story? Townsend: Positive environment key Jordan Retro Ireland . However, it wasnt a problem on Monday night. Evgeni Nabokov made 23 saves for his 56th career shutout in the New York Islanders 3-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Monday night. Wholesale Air Jordan . The Boston Celtics hadnt played since the All-Star break. So the Suns 100-94 victory over Boston Wednesday night was an uphill affair, with Phoenix relying on balance rather than its trademark high energy. http://www.cheapairjordanireland.com/ . The defeat leaves the 41-year-old Nestor to concentrate on the mixed-doubles event after winning 12 straight matches and winning Australian titles in Brisbane and Sydney with two different partners. "This was a little bit of a let down, but all credit to them," said Nestor. Cheap Jordans Ireland . A lawmaker is hoping the buzz from California Chromes run for the Triple Crown might build support for a bill that would place the U. Cheap Air Jordan Wholesale . After missing 20 games as a rookie a year ago, Valanciunas - like the Raptors as a whole - has been fortunate to be in good health this season. As he spoke about it, the Raptors sophomore centre scanned the room for wood to knock on. "It is disappointing because we lost today so thats the worst part of the day," said Valanciunas, who left Tuesdays game with a lower-back sprain in the third quarter, missing the rest of Torontos 118-113 overtime defeat at the hands of the Hawks.Flushing Meadows, NY (Sports Network) - Serena Williams was denied a potential championship double at the U.S. Open, as the World No. 1 singles player and her sister Venus were ousted by the tandem of Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka in Fridays womens doubles semifinal. Just hours after routing Li Na to advance to Sundays finals rematch against Victoria Azarenka, Serena Williams and the two-time U.S. Open champion Venus were soundly defeated by the fifth-seeded Czech team by a 6-4, 6-2 score on the hardcourts at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Hlavackova, who captured the mixed doubles crown alongside Belarusian Max Minryi earlier on Friday, and Hradecka reached the title match at Flushing Meadows for the second consecutive year.dddddddddddd The pair lost to Italians Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci in the 2012 finals. The 2011 French Open doubles champions will square off against the eighth- seeded grouping of 17-year-old Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua, with the Australians earning a spot with Thursdays besting of Sania Mirza and Jie Zheng. Barty and the 28-year-old Dellacqua were the doubles runners-up at both this years Australian Open and Wimbledon events. The Williams sisters were seeking a 14th career Grand Slam doubles title, which includes wins at the U.S. Open in both 1999 and 2009. They also own three Olympic gold medals in doubles. ' ' '