Sunday 17 February 2019 16:51, UK
Top clubs have been encouraged to follow the example of Altrincham after the club wore a rainbow-coloured kit in a competitive fixture in support of football's fight against homophobia.
In a move Altrincham say is the first of its kind, the National League North side's usual red and white stripes were replaced with the colours of the LGBT pride flag for their fixture at home to Bradford (Park Avenue) on Saturday.
The kit features the logo of Football v Homophobia and has attracted global attention.
Campaign director Lou Englefield said: "It's fantastic for us and has had amazing support.
"You could not believe the debate and talk it's caused across the world.
"Obviously it's also been met with some homophobic and derogatory comments on social media over the last week too, but that happens when people stick their heads over the parapet and Altrincham have done that today."
Englefield said other non-league clubs have contacted the campaign about making similar statements of support, but she would also like to see clubs from the top end of English football taking part.
"It would be amazing to see one of the big clubs follow Altrincham's lead," she said.
"Let's get that message out as far and as wide as possible.
"But, to be fair, the coverage Altrincham have had has reached Australia, New Zealand, Canada and America, it's been amazing."
Before the game kicked off, Altrincham chairman Bill Waterson told the club's website: "We believe it will be the first time anywhere in the world that a senior football club has worn a kit solely modelled on the LGBT pride flag.
"And Altrincham will, therefore, be creating a small moment of football history."
The match at the J Davidson Stadium ended 1-1, with Altrincham midfielder Josh Hancock's first-half finish cancelled out by a scrambled late equaliser from the visitors' Danny East.
The shirts worn by Altrincham FC players on Saturday will be auctioned off to raise money for The Proud Trust. For more information, click here.
