More than a club.
Football is a powerful tool. Sure, sometimes it just seems like an inconsequential game. Surer, it brings with it plenty of controversies and frustrations. But, in its purest form, football has the power to bring people together.
Communities, races, religions and all sorts are unified through that same simple game and, on the north side of Dublin, they show off the very best of football at Dalymount Park.
Bohemian Football Club and its supporters have used the sport to stand together and send strong messages over and over and, because of it, they can just enjoy football like its supposed to be enjoyed. They can enjoy it like a football match.
On Friday night, for the Bohs' first home game of the new season, a new flag was draped on the Tramway End by fans during the visit of Sligo Rovers. Its purpose was to carry on their admirable messages of inclusivity, this time to the LGBT community. A rainbow was instilled in the club crest and a clever bit of word-play headlined the display: 'Gay Bohs'.
https://twitter.com/bfcdublin/status/708430369369026560
It isn't the first time Bohs have impressed as a unifying community.
The commissioned mural at Dalymount Park to stand with refugees last September exuded class.
https://twitter.com/bfcdublin/status/639198776700354560
The year before, they stood in support of UEFA’s Football Against Racism campaign and encouraged fans to snap a picture of themselves beside the graffiti-written message to show that "Bohemians is a club united against racism."
And the club is proud of the fans' recent welcoming of the gay community with Friday night's flag.
"It is of great importance to the club that Dalymount Park is a welcoming home for all, both as a place to enjoy football and as a place to socialise," a Bohemian FC spokesperson told SportsJOE.
"The club and many of its fans have worked closely with community groups to promote a positive message of inclusivity and anti-discrimination.
"The legacy of their efforts can be seen with anti-racism murals on the walls of Dalymount, our supporters-driven link-up with the Irish Refugee Council last year, and now too with the likes of this new flag.
"As a fan-owned club, it is heartening that supporters have reinforced that message of equality, inclusivity and diversity."
New season, same class - different class. Bohemians continue to lead the way off the field.
