Football homophobia conference opens in Manchester
An international conference on homophobia in football has started in Manchester.
Organisers hope the Football Fans v Homophobia (FvH) meeting, described as the first ever, will identify new ways of tackling the issue within the sport.
It also aims to "celebrate the involvement of gay and lesbian fans and reinforce a zero-tolerance message against discrimination", FvH said.
Supporters from 29 countries around Europe are expected to attend.
Speakers at the conference, on Mount Street, include representatives from European football governing body Uefa and members of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) supporters' clubs.
Louise Englefield, from FvH said: "The LGBT community has a large contingent of football supporters whose concerns on homophobia are often ignored.
"As the first major gathering of supporters on this issue, both LGBT and allies, this is a huge event for the LGBT community in football."
She added: "It is fitting that it takes place on the day the most high-profile league in world football kicks off its season."