PLENTY has changed in football and society over the past few decades.

But last weekend we witnessed two shocking incidents in the stands at football matches, both of which reveal that there is still plenty of work to be done.

On Sunday, a Spurs supporter threw a banana skin at Arsenal player Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, in scenes we thought had been long left behind.

It is understood that swift action has been taken to find and expose the racist fan.

Sadly Brighton and Hove Albion supporters were once again subjected to homophobic chanting at the game at the John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield.

The game coincided with the FA and Premier League’s Rainbow Laces initiative, which aims to make sure everyone can play and watch football without being abused. Clubs across the country took part, but at Huddersfield, chants by a minority spoiled the day.

In the 21st century, we should have moved on, but there are currently no openly gay footballers in professional football in England, and fear of abuse from the terraces has got to be a big part of the reason why.

Racism has largely been kicked out of the beautiful game, but it seems that clubs are only just waking up to the need to combat other forms of hate. And it doesn’t just affect the professionals.

The culture seeps down right to the grassroots of the game, essentially forcing gay footballers to fear being open about who they are, and driving many talented players out of the game.

The Premier League, the FA, clubs and fans need to do more to make sure everyone is welcome.