Reading FC unveil new LGBT+ banner

By Sam Pither

16 August 2022

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Reading Football Club has unveiled a new LGBT+ stadium banner which will be displayed at the Select Car Leasing stadium on matchdays.

Created in partnership with LGBT+ supporters group, Proud Royals, the flag was first shown off in Reading’s league cup fixture against Stevenage on 9 August.

The new banner follows the club’s recent initiative which has seen it introduce dedicated LGBT+ stewards, providing support for LGBT+ fans on match days.

Thomas Williams, who set up Proud Royals, said: “The response in the last few days has been amazing, especially from other LGBT groups who have messaged offering their support to us, also STAR have been lending a hand in giving me great advice and support.

“I want to bring all our fans together, whether they’re gay or straight, as we all the love the same things, football and Reading FC.”

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The banner was created after the group were approached by former footballer and assistant manager of Aldershot Town, Anwar Uddin. The design they produced is also backed by the Football Supporters’ Association.

🚩| We're proud to unveil our @proudroyals flag ahead of tonight's game here at the @SC_Leasing Stadium.
🏳️‍🌈
The flag will take pride & place in @Club1871.

A big thank you to @AnwarU01 & the @WeAreTheFSA's #FansForDiversity campaign for their support.#readingfc 💙⚽🏳️‍🌈 pic.twitter.com/br5i4fkbqt
— Proud Royals (@proudroyals) August 9, 2022

By Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset.

A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise.

Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.