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Newcastle United Supporter Challenges FA Over Premier League with Pride Campaign
Lindsey Smith, a Newcastle United supporter, has sent a pre-action letter to the Football Association threatening judicial review over its support for the Premier League's 'Premier League with Pride' campaign. The campaign, launched earlier in 2025, incorporates rainbow and Progress Pride symbols in top-flight matches.
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Lindsey Smith, a supporter of Newcastle United, has initiated legal proceedings against the Football Association (FA) by issuing a pre-action letter. The letter warns of judicial review unless the FA classifies the 'Premier League with Pride' campaign as political or provides an explanation for its approval. The campaign was implemented across Premier League matches earlier in 2025.
The 'Premier League with Pride' initiative includes rainbow and Progress Pride symbols displayed on LED boards, handshake boards, and substitution signage in stadiums. It forms part of the Premier League's broader inclusion efforts, similar to the 'No Room for Racism' campaign.
The FA oversees compliance with rules that prohibit political and religious messaging for players and staff under its jurisdiction.
This action marks the second legal challenge by Smith against the FA. In 2025, she contested the FA's support for the Stonewall-backed Rainbow Laces campaign, where players wore rainbow-colored laces and armbands to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in football.
A High Court ruling that year determined that such Pride activities constitute political expression, prompting the FA to withdraw support and state it would not continue Rainbow Laces in future seasons.
Smith's current challenge questions the consistency of the FA's approach following the 2025 ruling. Her legal team, from Conrathe Gardner LLP, argues that the new campaign resembles the discontinued one and violates neutrality rules. The firm has indicated it will pursue High Court proceedings if the FA does not respond adequately.
The campaign extends beyond matches to include education and training programs. Through the Premier League's Primary Stars scheme, materials on inclusion, activism, and LGBTQ+ awareness are used in schools, reaching thousands of pupils. Supporters of the initiative state it addresses discrimination, while critics contend it introduces contested topics into sports and education.
