England’s trans fans warned of attack risk
‘ Going to the toilet is a specific concern for trans people going to Russia for the World Cup’
TRANSGENDER English fans have been warned to go to the lavatory with a companion or risk being attacked by Russian hooligans, according to official safety advice.
The guidance states: “Going to the toilet is a specific concern for trans people going to Russia for the World Cup.
“We advise that you judge the situation on a case-by-case basis. If you do not feel safe, try and find a fellow fan to accompany you.”
The advice goes on: “If there is a disabled toilet and you are alone, that could be the safest option.”
It is unclear how many England fans travelling to the World Cup are transgender.
The warning is contained in the guide for England supporters published by the Football Supporters Federation with official backing from the Foreign Office and the FA, as well as in consultaltion with LGBT+ groups.
Kevin Miles, chief executive of the Football Supporters’ Federation, said: “It’s not known how many travelling England fans are transgender.
“They may not want to draw attention to the fact [they are transgender] in the UK, let alone in Russia.” English fans are expected to travel to Russia by the weekend for the team’s first game in Volgograd on Monday against Tunisia.
Many fans have been put off by threats of violence and poor relations with Russia.
The issue of LGBT+ rights in Russia is hugely problematic for President Vladimir Putin who has been accused of human rights abuses. The Pink News website reported that a gay French couple had been assaulted in St Petersburg in the run-up to yesterday’s opening game, with one victim left with serious head injuries.
Fifa, football’s world governing body, was urged yesterday by MPS to exclude nations with poor LGBT rights records from bidding for future World Cups.
Ian Murray, Labour MP, speaking in the Commons, said: “We should not be granting these major worldwide events to countries that have problems with LGBT rights, black and ethnic minority rights and other rights for women.”