Rugby club responds to homophobic abuse after name change
Bristol Rugby to rebrand as Bristol Bears - a name they share with gay club in the city
By Steve Brown
A rugby club has responded to homophobic abuse they received after announcement of their name change.
Bristol Rugby revealed on Monday (16.04.18) that they will be changing their name to Bristol Bears ahead of their return to the Premiership.
However, the club received a number of homophobic tweets after it was revealed they share their new name with a well-known gay pub in the city.
The Bristol Bear is a long-established company who promotes the Bristol Bear Fiesta – a gay event weekend that has been held every summer since 2003.
🌈 | Received plenty of homophobic tweets and comments over the past 2⃣ days.
Let’s be clear: #BristolBears are absolutely proud to welcome rugby fans to @ashtongatestad, irrespective of sexuality, gender, religion or race.
Come and enjoy a fantastic matchday with us 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ESrXcwhOvE
— Bristol Rugby (@Bristol_RFC) April 18, 2018
But the rugby club have taken to Twitter to reveal they welcome everyone to watch games at their ground not matter what their sexuality, gender, religion or race is.
They wrote: “Received plenty of homophobic tweets and comments over the past days.
“Let’s be clear: #BristolBears are absolutely proud to welcome rugby fans to @ashtongatestad, irrespective of sexuality, gender, religion or race.
“Come and enjoy a fantastic matchday with us. [sic]”