Gay Footballers

I know this has already been covered on BBC three's documentary, Britain's Gay Footballers but I felt like writing about the subject.


Homosexuality is seen as a taboo in many areas of social and working life, particularly in the world of sport including football. We are in the year 2012, why is the subject still such a taboo and are the appropriate authorities doing enough to support gay footballers or any gay sportsmen or women for that matter.


Max Clifford, arguably Britain's best know publicist claimed that he has represented gay footballers before and has advised them to keep that fact a secret. During his interview with the Independent back in 2009, Clifford claimed that football: "remains in the dark ages, steeped in homophobia," unfortunately these circumstances remain today. 




Why should gay footballers have to hide their sexuality, many musicians don't, neither do people in other professions. The main reason I could think of would be the abuse they would receive from rival fans and opposition players, footballers get a raw deal from supporters as it is so coming out as gay would be like having a target on their chest.  In other sports, fans seem to be less vicious towards players which may have encouraged the likes of England cricketer Stephen Davis and Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas to come out as gay.


This is where the authorities should step in and send out a message that any sort of negative behaviour towards homosexual players is unacceptable, like they have rightful done over the last few years regarding racism. However following Fifa President Sepp Blatter's comments suggesting homosexuals should: "refrain from sexual activity," during the future world cup in Qatar, any major support from Fifa is as unlikely as ever.


After the Luis Suarez incident and the alleged John Terry incident (who's case is yet to be heard), the F.A have reiterated their anti racism campaign and rightfully so. Alot of good work has been done by the association to tackle racism, so they should also focus on stamping out any homophobic abuse to help encourage footballers to come out. Of course there is the famous case of a footballer coming out as gay. The tragic case of Justin Fashanu could understandably put alot of players off coming out, the way he was made an outcast was of course disgusting but by now times should have changed and lessons should have been learnt.


So when will there be a time were footballers are comfortable enough to reveal their sexuality?, maybe a long time in the future but it shouldn't take that long. With dedicated support from the right authorities, a player or two may stand up to be counted. Abuse will inevitably come from some sectors of the game but whoever comes out would make a difference and hopefully leave a legacy for years to come.