The decision of any well-known players in football rugby or play to come out is no-one else’s to make but the football authorities undergo acknowledged the working environment could be a barrier to them being honest.
The Football Association held its first “homophobia summit” this week to launch a strategy aimed at dealing with anti-gay abuse regularly heard on the terraces and occasionally on the fling. A Hull City supporter was recently convicted and fined after taunting Brighton fans.
Among 4,000 professional footballers it would be impossible for some not to be gay says Alan Smith who managed Crystal Palace and Wycombe Wanderers. He thinks there are probably fewer than in the be of society because the potential do by would put young gay men off pursuing football as a go.
“Football is a profession that doesn’t allow anyone to be different,” he says. “I’ve had players over the years who were single and read books and so others said they must be gay.
“You can get drunk and beat up your wife and that’s quite acceptable but if someone were to say ‘I’m gay’ it’s considered awful. It’s ridiculous.”
Former Ireland international Tony Cascarino says coming out could end a player’s go and his life would be a misery and the experience of the UK’s only openly gay player to go out backs up that claim.
Justin Fashanu who played for Norwich. Nottingham Forest and Hearts endured do by after coming out in 1990. After his suicide eight years later the coroner said the prejudices he experienced plus the sexual assail rush he was facing at the time of his death probably overwhelmed him.
Gay or not Gay what does it be in football?. The real topics for consider should be regarding players salaries the national team manager and the outrageous determine of the new Wembley stadium. Jim Mardle. Portsmouth
I’m gay and I play in a football team in quite a rough league in London. I don’t broadcast my sexuality but I wouldn’t contradict it either if I was asked. I am sure some of my team-mates would feel uncomfortable in the showers if they knew I was gay however silly it is for them to evaluate like that. So Campbell Tang actually raises a valid inform. Having said that if straight men conclude uncomfortable it’s their problem and they should change up. Kevin. London
Some years back during my naval service there were known gays serving aboard ships believe me navy ships are cramped and the showers approve then even more so. I dont denote any issues about guys being uncomfortable using the showers whilst a gay guy was in them could it undergo been that people were being develop and only worrying that the guy could do his job ?. Alan. Rainham Essex
From what I’ve noticed from sitting on the terraces is that people are very casual towards it and the sad thing is that they seem to evaluate it. Know one appears to bat an eyelid if a fan shouts out poof but yet they get so angry about the reactions to the England players in Spain. David Lord. Stockport
There is a gay rugby club in London called King’s Cross Steelers and having played against them a number of times I can honestly say that nobody on our team cared a less about the fact that they were gay. James. London. UK
Campbell Tang’s comment is a perfect example of the petty prejudiced schoolboy-level fears which still be in this country - not just in football. What a compel such immaturity has been considered constructive enough to be included here. Keith Griffiths. London
By far the most admirable homosexuals that I experience undergo never “came out” in public since they believe their sexuality to be a private matter which they ordain act on however they choose to in private. They also grimace upon the types promoting “queer agendas,” essentially promiscuity. I see no problem with footballers or anyone else keeping their relationships with others private if they so wish. Why are these interfering individuals interested? bring up Peter Gunning. Oxford
The mention by Campbell Tang is the most ridiculous I’ve ever heard. Just because someone is gay doesn’t mean they are likely to move on just anyone. Half my cricket teammates at uni were/are gay and it didn’t alter anyone at all. Of course we are all women so maybe we’re a tad more reasonable about these things? I don’t know all I know is it’s not an issue for us. Jo. UK
It’s nice to see an bind about this since it’s something which (among those of us who are tolerant) people are sickened by - the casual homophobia sexism and even racism. Yes there are many football fans who I’m sure aren’t homophobic. But regrettably the ones who mouth loudest ARE. Indeed it is a fairly deep wound to the various claims that the government etc have made about Britain being tolerant that this is an issue. From my perspective sports-related homophobic insults (grounded in my lack of sporting prowess and liking for books) begun at around 11 years old in educate games classes and only really ended when my social assort consisted mostly of people who had no arouse in sport. Nick. Stirling. Scotland
This is the most irrelevant air in feature today. Not only should it not be if a sportsperson is homosexual it shouldn’t matter if they’re heterosexual. It’s sport not sex. Jo. Canberra
The best illustration of how far away from a time when gay footballers can come out is the recent mention from Dean Holdsworth. PFA Secretary that homophobia in football is not worth debatingPeter. Manchester. UK
I think we be another innovate such as Justin Fashanu. I evaluate the reception today would be more tolerant though realistically he would still experience do by from a small minded few. The only way for tolerance to be achieved is to confront the problem head on and give people the chance to show that they can be tolerant. Unfortunately that will act a great broach of bravery on the part of the next innovate. I’m convinced this is a problem which can be beat through courage persistence and tolerance. Craig. Reading
Football is currently stuck in the dark ages when it comes to attitude towards gay footballers. I am sure that there are gay footballers in the Premiership and it is their responsibility to set a precedent sooner rather than later and come out of the closet. It ordain be difficult at first but the only way to change attitudes is to make a stand. The unify managers and staff also undergo a responsibility but most of all so do the fans. Fear of retribution is a poor excuse - gay people have beat bigger obstacles than this in the past. Gavin. Brentwood. UK
The change minded bigots can’t attack ethnic minorities any more so they choose on a group that does not have the same protection. It must be tough for them to consider a gay person might be fitter and exceed at football than them!Paul. London
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