LONDON, September 27, 2006  –  Manchester United player Paul Scholes is under fire after it is alleged that he shouted homophobic abuse during last night’s UEFA match against Portuguese team Benfica at the Stadium of Light.

About 10 minutes into the game, Scholes was booked and appeared to react by shouting “fucking poof”, several TV viewesr claim.

His alleged homophobic abuse was witnessed by millions of viewers watching ITV1’s coverage of the match.

“Homophobic abuse is no more acceptable than racism,” said gay human rights activist Peter Tatchell this morning.

“It is shocking that the football authorities allowed Paul’s bigoted insult to pass without taking any action.”

Mr. Tatchell and OutRage! are campaigning against homophobia in sport and are pressing the Football Association to take tougher action against homophobia on the pitch and on the terraces.

“If he had made a racist remark, UEFA and the Football Association would have initiated immediate disciplinary proceedings. Why the double standards,” Mr. Tatchell asked?

“We urge Paul to apologise and to express his opposition to homophobia.

“It might help him understand and appreciate gay issues if he visited Manchester’s Gay Centre and Lesbian & Gay Foundation.  His participation in a training course on homophobia could also be beneficial.

“No player, referee or fan should have to endure abuse about their race or sexuality,” he continued.

“The Football Association and individual clubs have made great efforts to tackle racism.  But they have done little to kick out homophobia.  It is time anti-gay attitudes were given the red card.

“The Football Association should be giving a stronger lead.  It makes the right noises, but does little.  The FA’s paper policies and conferences are of little value.  Where's the real action against homophobia?

“There should be big fines and match suspensions for players, managers and supporters who wilfully use anti-gay insults.  Stewards should be ordered to identify fans who shout homophobic abuse and the FA should secure the agreement of the police to arrest and charge them.

“Education against homophobia is vital.  The FA needs to get the agreement of all clubs to feature anti-homophobia messages in their match programmes, on tickets, and on billboards inside and outside football grounds.

“A joint statement and video against homophobia by ten top footballers would do a lot to help challenge bigoted attitudes. Why isn't the FA organising this,” queried Mr Tatchell?

■ Manchester United’s “cross-town” Premiership rivals Manchester City became the first football club in Britain to sign up to Stonewall’s ‘Diversity Champions’ programme for major employees.

The Premier League club, which employs 675 people including its players, will now be working with Stonewall to promote fair treatment for not only gay staff and potential staff but also for specators.

Manchester City is already working with the gay community in Manchester in what is seen as a major initiative in sports.