We all love to take the piss out of Manchester United for their long and varied list of official partners.
Every few weeks we hear about a new money-spinning corporate sponsor - from official tyre manufacturers to noodle partners - willing to swell the Old Trafford coffers with millions of pounds worth of revenue. In fact, some of the weird and wonderful deals are beyond parody.
But on Tuesday the club earned a huge amount of praise and respect for becoming the first UK football club to partner with leading LGBT equality charity
Stonewall.
The ground-breaking initiative will see United work alongside Stonewall to help to tackle LGBT issues in sport and society, whilst looking at best practice and ways in which inclusion and equality can be improved in football. They'll also become an official member of TeamPride.
https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/839143685728129026
A great initiative we're sure you'll agree. Much of the response to the announcement was extremely positive and encouraging...
https://twitter.com/chrislintott/status/839200245774958595
https://twitter.com/sigmundsteph/status/839150282760204288
https://twitter.com/YedIin/status/839150071987875840
https://twitter.com/DricoMonster/status/839153018541060097
Sadly, not all of the replies were so enthusiastic. There were an alarming number of negative and homophobic messages that only served to highlight why Stonewall's work is more vital than ever, and such partnerships should be applauded.
One particular responder replied with the homophobic statement: 'I'd rather support Bolton Wanderers than a club that endorses immorality without considering the fans'
https://twitter.com/Fortunefilmzng/status/839154351553794048
Bolton's official account got wind of the comment and had the perfect reply. It was simple, to the point, and outstanding: 'We'd rather you didn't. #TeamStonewall'...
https://twitter.com/OfficialBWFC/status/839170870480351242
This was met with huge and enthusiastic praise. Well done Manchester United - and Bolton Wanderers...
https://twitter.com/arseblog/status/839179084160720896
https://twitter.com/Tomfurness2/status/839193472066285568
https://twitter.com/Glenn_Kitson/status/839202034066808834
https://twitter.com/PositiveLad/status/839253916164440064
https://twitter.com/Hound_Pig/status/839201684161196033
https://twitter.com/damonbwfc/status/839192680798257153
https://twitter.com/Connor_bwfc98/status/839174684532944897
