Declan Rice takes stand against homophobia with ‘GayVAR’ campaign

England star Declan Rice has strengthened his role as an LGBTQ+ ally by fronting the “GayVAR” anti-homophobia campaign, at a World Cup where online abuse and discriminatory chanting remain a serious concern.

Created by EE’s “Hope United” in partnership with Football v Homophobia, “GayVAR” playfully adapts football’s VAR system, urging fans to “review” and report homophobic slurs on social media. In a mock post-match analysis video, Rice addresses abuse aimed at players, saying: “Homophobia like this ruins the sport for everyone. We’ve got to tackle it. I’d like to see an official review.” He also wore the Pride rainbow armband while captaining West Ham and has continued his visible allyship at Arsenal, OutSports reports.

Research conducted for “GayVAR” found that nearly three-quarters of people in the U.K. see homophobia as a major problem in football, and a quarter had witnessed online anti-gay hate in the previous two years. More than one in four who saw that abuse chose not to act, leading the campaign to call directly on allies to intervene and report it.

The urgency has grown at this World Cup. FIFA’s social media protection service has recorded a sharp rise in online abuse during the group stage, with homophobia still widespread. England’s LGBTQ fan group Three Lions Pride recently condemned homophobic chanting directed at goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, while Spain’s Borja Iglesias publicly challenged a homophobic slur on X, continuing his record of speaking out on social justice.

Rice, Harry Kane, Iglesias and other high-profile players now form a core of vocal allies pushing for a more inclusive game, as LGBTQ fan groups and unions such as FIFPRO demand stronger action from football authorities and tech platforms.

For LGBTQ professionals and allies who want to build that kind of solidarity beyond the stadium, signing up for communities like myGwork offers a way to connect, organise, and support campaigns that make sport and workplaces safer for everyone.

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