STATEMENT FROM WEST LONDON QUEER PROJECT

West London Queer Project is aware of a serious incident that took place during the changeover between football sessions at Linford Christie Stadium on Monday 5 October.

Several members of our community reported feeling intimidated, distressed and unsafe following an interaction with representatives of the organisation using the pitch immediately before our weekly session.

We have received detailed accounts from those directly involved and from witnesses, and we are taking these concerns extremely seriously.

Since we began using Linford Christie Stadium in February, there has also been a persistent issue with the previous session running beyond its allocated time and preventing our football session from starting promptly.

We have raised this with Hammersmith & Fulham Council on a number of occasions. While there have been periods of improvement, unfortunately the issue has continued.Last night’s incident went considerably beyond a disagreement about pitch timings.

WLQP exists to create safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces where LGBTQ+ people can participate in sport without fear of intimidation, hostility or discrimination. Any behaviour that leaves members of our community feeling threatened or unwelcome goes against everything we stand for.

We will therefore be requesting an urgent meeting with ELA and Hammersmith & Fulham Council to discuss both the incident and the ongoing issues surrounding the management and handover of the pitch.We will also be asking for the concerns raised by our members to be formally investigated through the appropriate procedures.Our immediate priority is the wellbeing of those affected and ensuring that everyone attending our Monday football sessions can do so feeling safe and supported.

We would like to thank our Football Lead, our coach and our players for the way they supported one another following what was a very upsetting experience.We will address this matter professionally and swiftly, and we will provide a further update once we have received a response and know the outcome of the discussions.

West London Queer Project