5. People in the media, such as Max Clifford, have suggested ‘football is in the dark ages’, suggesting that football, unlike other sporting disciplines, cannot handle the prospect of a gay player. How do you respond to such assumptions that suggest football is ‘regressive’, especially with regard to sexuality? Is it fair to label the overall footballing landscape as regressive?
While the claim is false, I do feel there are certain elements of truth within it. Football still holds somewhat of a dark cloud over its head after the tragedy that followed Justin Fashanu’s coming out, and that is what others will largely base such claims upon. And the fact that footballers today still have such an unwillingness to discuss sexuality does suggest that we are still in a dark age.
Where I disagree is that football can and will be able to handle a gay player when, and not if, they eventually come out. Of course, the first player to do it may have a difficult time, but as we’ve seen from other sports (notably Gareth Thomas) a player can successfully come out. I don’t think the overall landscape is regressive; that’s far too broad – just look at Hope Powell, head coach of the England women’s team. But I do think that footballers maintain a fear of even bringing up the issue, and until it can be mentioned and discussed more freely in the same way that racism is, I don’t see football entering a lighter period. We’re not in a dark age because we can’t handle a gay player; we’re in a dark age because we’re just too scared to discuss it.
6. A number of players have endorsed anti-racism campaigns over the years, and most recently, Frank Lampard appeared in a video against the use of the word ‘Yid’. What kind of role do you think individual players should assume in the ‘fight’ against homophobia? Do you think they have some type of ‘responsibility’ by virtue of their position as players?
Footballers certainly need to take a forward role in the fight against homophobia. As I’ve already mentioned, Jason Robert’s actions created a domino effect with others following suit in boycotting the ‘Kick It Out’ month. One player has generated far more media interest than the campaign on its own could dream of.
Sure, homophobic abuse will almost certainly, unfortunately, crop up if a player comes out as gay. But that player will first and foremost need the support not only of their family, but of their friends and teammates. Yet how can a gay player have confidence in garnering such support when his teammates and club refuse to even talk about the subject? I’m not saying that players need to do anything extreme, but merely being open to discussing sexual orientation would make it a far more comfortable environment for those currently hiding their lives.
Lastly, we have to remember that players too are role models. In this current state, even children will grow up shying away from the subject as their ‘heroes’ do the same, meaning that this homophobia will continue into the next generation of players. You can’t expect others to deal with a problem until you can deal with the problem yourself, which is why footballers need to tackle the issue head on and be the first to publically back an anti-homophobia campaign.
7. Why do you think sexuality has been such a sensitive issue in professional men’s football for so long?