Homosexuality in English football

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Justin Fashanu, the only footballer who have played in English football who is openly gay
Justin Fashanu, the only footballer who have played in English football who is openly gay

Homosexuality in English football is sometimes said to be a taboo subject by both players and the media.[1][2] As of 2008, there are no openly gay footballers in England's top four divisions. Some have argued that clubs prevent players from “coming out” as increasingly footballers have a market value which may be damaged. From 2008, homophobic chanting at football grounds has been outlawed. Tottenham Hotspur have a system in place to allow fans to report any anti-gay chanting and Manchester City are the first premership club to have been recognised by pressure group Stonewall as a gay-friendly employer.[3]

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[edit] Homophobia

  • A Hull City supporter was convicted for homophobic chants made against Brighton fans.[4]
  • Graham Le Saux endured homophobic taunts despite having a baby daughter. The rumours allegedly began because of his “unladdish hobbies” which included antique collecting .[5]
  • Justin Fashanu, the first black £1m footballer, was the first footballer to openly admit that he was gay. He later committed suicide [6]He had described by his manager as a “bloody poof”.[7]
  • The News of the World, claimed that two Premiership footballers were involved in a gay orgy with a figure in the Music industry. Ashley Cole brought legal action because of the untruthful story.[8]

[edit] 2005 Summit

In 2005 the Football Association held a summit aimed at tackling homophobia in football.[9]

In that same year when the BBC asked all of the 20 Premiership managers their opinions on the issue as part of an investigation all 20 refused. [10]

[edit] References

  1. ^ OverTimeOnline.co.uk
  2. ^ http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article730312.ece
  3. ^ Homosexuality & football
  4. ^ BBC NEWS | Magazine | Why are there no openly gay footballers?
  5. ^ BBC News | FA Carling Premiership | Anger over gay taunts
  6. ^ BBC News | FA Carling Premiership | Anger over gay taunts
  7. ^ OverTimeOnline.co.uk
  8. ^ Cole to sue over gay footballer orgy claims | Mail Online
  9. ^ BBC SPORT | Football | Is homophobia in football still a taboo?
  10. ^ BBC SPORT | Football | Is homophobia in football still a taboo?

[edit] External links