Paddy Power apologises for offensive video

The bookmaker has apologised for using homophobic language.

UK.- Flutter’s Paddy Power has published an apology after receiving criticism for reproducing homophobic language in a social media video.

The bookmaker said it was sorry for using “derogatory and offensive” language in one of its “Fan Denial” features, which provide weekly round-ups of comments posted by fans on social media about football matches. 

This week’s video on the FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Arsenal was criticised by campaign groups for including homophobic language.

Kick It Out, a group which promotes equality and inclusion in football, demanded Paddy Power remove the video from its social media channels.

Kick it Out Chairperson, Sanjay Bhandari, said on Twitter: “An advert like this is designed to provoke and does nothing to further inclusion in football. All it will do is encourage people to keep using this hideous language, not just on social media but in matches too.”

Gay Gooners, an Aresenal LGBTQ+ fan group wrote to Flutter Chief Executive Peter Jackson to criticise the piece.

It said: “We know homophobic language fuels the toxic atmosphere that often makes loyal LGBTQ+ fans feel unwelcome at football.

“By including that particular tweet, Paddy Power undermines its own work in challenging homophobia within sport as well as that of groups such as ourselves and our colleagues through Pride in Football.

“It is necessary for us to call out discriminatory language and behaviour in football whenever we encounter it, in order to make football a safe and enjoyable experience for all fans. This is especially true when such actions come from a platform as large as yours.”

Paddy Power has removed the content and apologised. 

It said in a statement: “We are very sorry for any offence caused before it was removed. We are reviewing our approval processes on content produced by third parties to ensure content on our platform is in line with our values as a brand.

“We are very proud of the work we have done around LGBTQ+ issues, and intend to continue being allies to the community.”

There have been growing calls in the UK for a shake-up of gambling regulations including greater restrictions on advertising.