Royston Town FC are among the many clubs backing a countywide campaign to stamp out homophobia in football.

The Crows are making a stand in conjunction with Herts police and the Herts FA, and as part of the initiative will be wearing Stonewall rainbow laces to mark LGBT History Month.

Representatives from a number of clubs – including goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes from Premier League outfit Watford – came together on Tuesday to promote the campaign at Stevenage FC’s ground.

Insp Jason Thorne, Herts police’s deputy lead for sexual orientation, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Herts FA and the county’s clubs to be taking this stance against homophobia in the game and raising awareness that this form of abuse is a hate crime.

“Everyone has a right to enjoy football without fear of being targeted for who they are or what they believe in. We hope that the campaign helps spread this message and that something can be done.”