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    Spanish footballer comes out as gay by kissing boyfriend to celebrate promotion as fans praise ‘brave and honest’ star

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    A SPANISH goalkeeper has won praise by coming out as gay on Twitter with a photo of him kissing his boyfriend as he celebrated his team’s promotion.Shot-stopper Alberto Lejaragga wrote alongside the snap of him embracing his partner as they locked lips moments after the final whistle: “Many thanks for always being at my side, in the good moments and in the not so good moments.
    Marbella star Alberto Lejaragga has come out as gayCredit: https://twitter.com/alberto_leja
    The goalie kissed and embraced his boyfriend after promotion to Spain’s fourth tierCredit: https://twitter.com/alberto_leja
    “This time it was our turn to experience the beauty of this.”
    The 28-year-old, goalkeeper for Marbella FC who won promotion to Spain’s fourth-tier Segunda RFEF division on Sunday with a 1-0 victory over Real Jaen, finished his tweet by writing in capped-up letters: ‘GRACIAS’ followed by two heart emoticons.
    As well as two photos of him with his boyfriend, who was wearing a Marbella football shirt with his partner’s name on it, Alberto also posted snaps of his family celebrating his team’s promotion with him.
    The response from fans was overwhelming, with many applauding his decision to publicly reveal his sexuality in a world in which such moments are still rare.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    One wrote: “A wonderful triumph and very much deserved.
    “I love you for being the way you are, brave, honest, respectful, intelligent. 
    “You deserve all the good things your future holds and you will always be supported by the people who truly love you.
    “Thousands of kisses.”
    Most read in Football
    Another added: “Stop watching football whoever is upset by this.”
    Spanish online sports site Relevo headlined its report on Alberto’s promotion celebration by saying: “A player kissing his boyfriend.
    “Such a necessarily normal photo that it moves you.”
    Madrid-born Alberto, who has just finished his second season with Marbella and describes himself on Twitter as a computer engineer and footballer, follows in the footsteps of professionals like Czech Republic international Jakub Jankto and Australian ace Josh Cavallo.
    Jankto, a midfielder for Spanish top-flight side Getafe who is on loan at Sparta Prague, said in a video published on Twitter in February: “Hi I’m Jakub Jankto.
    “Live everybody else, I have my strengths, I have my weaknesses; I have a family, I have my friends.
    “I have a job, which I have been doing as best as I can, for years, with seriousness, professionalism and passion. 
    “Like everybody else, I also want to live my life in freedom without fears, without prejudice, without violence, but with love.
    “I am homosexual, and I no longer want to hide myself.”
    The official Premier League Twitter account replied to Jankto’s message by posting: “We’re with you, Jakub. Football is for everyone”, while FIFPRO, the global union for players, tweeted “Live your life, Jakub. Proud” along with a heart emoji.”
    Australian footballer Josh Cavallo said he was “tired of this double life” when he came out as gay in October 2021.
    He was described at the time as the only currently active male professional in the world to do so.
    Read More on The Sun
    The Adelaide United player, who has represented the Australian under-20 national team, received widespread praise for his announcement video, with people saying he would ‘save lives’ by bravely revealing his sexuality.
    Football Australia wrote at the time: “Football Australia wishes to commend Josh’s bravery to come out as the only openly gay player in the A-League men competition.” More

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      in Soccer

      Spurs fan arrested for ‘using homophobic language in vile chant aimed at Chelsea’

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      A SPURS fan has been arrested for “use of homophobic language” in a vile chant during a match against Chelsea.The men from North London came away with 2-0 home win in the derby, but it was overshadowed by reports of fans singing discriminatory slogans.
      A man was arrested after homophobic chants were heard at Spurs’ derby against ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Twitter user Zack Leader reported the abuse online and brought it to the attention of club authorities.
      He wrote: “Disgusted and beyond disappointed that before the game even kicked off… I heard homophobic chanting from Spurs fans.
      “The chant in question is legally a hate crime.
      “It had been reported, hopefully something is done.”
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      He added that the chants had started up again after Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech was shown a red card after an altercation with Emerson Royal, which was later downgraded to a yellow.
      Tottenham’s official Twitter account confirmed the action that had been taken over the chants in a short statement.
      They wrote: “We can confirm an individual was arrested for use of homophobic language.
      “There is no place for discrimination at Tottenham Hotspur.”
      Most read in Football
      The controversy comes just days after the club published a release on its website about it’s support for the Football v Homophobia Month of Action.
      The campaign aims to end homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in football.
      Spurs chose today’s match specifically to display their support for the cause, with the campaign logo displayed across the LED signs and big screens at the game.
      In addition, members of the clubs LGBTQ+ supporters club, The Proud Lilywhites, appeared during the halftime show. More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I no longer want to hide’ – Euros star bravely comes out as gay in emotional video

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      A CZECH REPUBLIC international who starred at Euro 2020 has come out as gay.Jakub Jankto, who plays for Getafe in Spain but is on loan at Sparta Prague, made the brave decision to reveal his sexuality as he “no longer wants to hide”.
      Jakub Jankto revealed he is gay as he did not want to hide his sexuality any longer
      The 45-cap midfielder, 27, took to Twitter where he posted a short clip detailing the reasons why he has now decided to share the truth.
      He said: “Hi, I’m Jakub Jankto.
      “Like everybody else, I have my strengths. I have my weaknesses. I have a family. I have my friends.
      “I have a job which I have been doing as best as I can for years, with seriousness, professionalism and passion.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “Like everybody else, I also want to live my life in freedom. Without fears. Without prejudice. Without violence. BUT with love.
      “I am homosexual and I no longer want to hide myself.”
      The video has been well received and it attracted more than 400,000 views within an hour of being posted.
      Jankto has received huge support for the courage he showed, with many praising his actions.
      Most read in Football
      One wrote: “Truly awesome Jakub. You will inspire so many people. ❤️🏳️‍🌈⚽️.”
      Another added: “This will impact so many young lives in football. Thank you Jakub ❤️.”
      And a third said: “Live your life, Jakub. Proud ❤️.” More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-England and Premier League footballer could come out as gay in new TV documentary

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      AN ex-England and Premier League footballer could come out in a TV documentary about gay footballers.He is in talks to open up about his sexuality in a show now in production and planned to be aired on Channel 4.
      An ex England footballer is preparing to come out as gay in a TV documentary
      Network and production company chiefs have held talks with the player after a series of meetings with agents, as well as former and ­current footballers.
      It comes after Blackpool’s Jake Daniels, 17, last week became the first playing pro in Britain to come out since Justin Fashanu in 1990.
      The Sun on Sunday had revealed a day earlier that a Championship player was about to come out.
      A footie insider said: “This documentary is going to be big and is the talk of the game at the moment.
      “But after Jake made his announcement, it has just got ­bigger and made the topic even more relevant.
      “They have been in talks with a secretly gay player and are confident he will participate and come out on the show.
      .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}READ MORE JAKE DANIELS.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}KARREN BRADY .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Jake Daniels has become an overnight icon for bravely coming out
      “The overwhelmingly positive reaction to Jake’s announcement has made him all the more confident.
      “He realises Jake has been incredibly brave and feels he could also be a role-model who breaks down barriers if he does the same thing.”
      Channel 4 did not comment about the planned documentary.
      Yesterday Jake posed in a Gay Pride T-shirt and said: “Together we can end the stigma and move football forwards.”
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in The Sun.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      Current England captain Harry Kane was among those who praised Jake’s bravery.
      And Olympic gold medal-winning diver Tom Daley has now added his support — and also thanked Kane.
      Tom, 28, who came out himself in 2013, said: “Straight footballers at the top of the game are commending him, and I think for visibility in the sport it’s just incredible.
      “The fact that Jake came out is a really powerful message to send. It’s so incredibly brave it might encourage people to be brave and more people to come out, able to be themselves.”
      Jake Daniels became the first footballer in the UK to come out as gayCredit: Blackpool fc
      Jake Daniels wants to end the anti-gay stigma in footballCredit: More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton slams Hungary’s ‘unacceptable and cowardly’ anti-LGBTQ+ law and calls for freedom ahead of Grand Prix

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has slammed Hungary’s ‘unacceptable and cowardly’ anti-LGBTQ+ laws.The reigning Formula One world champion arrived in the country ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix.
      Lewis Hamilton has arrived in Hungary ahead of the next race of the F1 seasonCredit: Getty
      The reigning world champion wrote a passionate post across a rainbow background
      And he called on the government to rethink their laws banning same-sex marriages and other restrictions placed on the LGBTQ+ community, such as adopting children.
      Hamilton, 36, took to his Instagram story with a passionate post sending his love to those affected, set on a rainbow background.
      The Brit, who has been a leading voice in the fight against racism and other discrimination too, wrote: “To all in this beautiful country Hungary.
      “Ahead of the Grand Prix this weekend, I want to share my support for those affected by the government’s anti-LGBTQ+ law.
      “It is unacceptable, cowardly and misguiding for those in power suggest such a law.
      “Everyone deserves to have the freedom to be themselves, no matter who they love or how they identify.
      “I urge the people of Hungary to vote in the upcoming referendum to protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, they need our support more than ever.
      “Please show love for those around you because love will always win. Sending you positivity.”
      During this summer’s Euros which coincided with Pride Month, Hungary’s law came under the spotlight.
      The government, led by Viktor Orban, had recently passed a ruling that banned portraying homosexuality to under-18s.
      Germany condemned Hungary’s new legislation – and then the Allianz Arena was lit up in rainbow colours.
      There were reports of homophobic chants throughout Hungary’s defeat to Portugal.

      Hamilton goes into the weekend trailing rival Max Verstappen by just eight points in the F1 drivers’ standings.
      It will be the first time the pair have locked horns since their collision at Silverstone two weeks ago.
      The championship rivals hit on the opening lap of the British GP – with the Red Bull drive crashing out as Hamilton claimed a crucial win in the title race.
      Hamilton heads into the weekend trailing Max Verstappen by eight pointsCredit: Getty
      The pair famously clashed at Silverstone with the Dutchman put out of the race
      Lewis Hamilton pulls off huge F1 British Grand Prix win in front of Silverstone fans after penalty for Verstappen crash More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Uefa accused of ‘staggering failure’ over response to German request to light stadium in rainbow colours

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      UEFA have been accused of “staggering failure” after insisting they DO support the LGBTIQ+ rainbow despite banning it from being used tonight.Euro bosses refused to give permission for the rainbow colours to light up Bayern Munich’s home ahead of Germany’s final group game with Hungary.
      UEFA have been slammed over their stance to requests to illuminate the Allianz Arena in rainbow coloursCredit: AP
      Football’s governing body have been accused of hypocrisy for claiming the LGBTIQ+ symbol was politicalCredit: Twitter @UEFA
      Fans hold up a rainbow flag in Munich ahead of Germany’s match with Hungary
      Munich mayor Dieter Reiter had approved the gesture as a rebuke to the vote in the Hungarian parliament which banned content promoting homosexuality and/or gender change to Under-18s.
      UEFA said that was a “political” gesture and therefore banned, despite having previously agreed Germany skipper Manuel Neuer COULD wear a rainbow armband because it was “not political”.

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      The European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation were part of the LGBTIQ+ groups that have since written to president Aleksander Ceferin.
      In the letter, it was hoped UEFA would “accept their misstep and reverse their decision” and “to clarify their actions in response to the homophobic behaviours we’ve seen in some matches.”
      But this afternoon’s widely-derided response has been rightly slammed by Hugh Torrance, Co-President of the EGLSF.
      To claim to have respect for the rainbow colours without addressing any of the issues which gave rise to the letter to them in the first place is a staggering failure
      He told SunSport: “UEFA’s response has not lived up to any of the outcomes we sought, and it has failed in any meaningful way to address the fundamental issues that we have raised with them.
      “To claim to have respect for the rainbow colours without addressing any of the issues which gave rise to the letter to them in the first place, without naming homophobia, and without being able to mention LGBTIQ+ people directly, is a staggering failure.
      “If you are going to say that you support LGBTIQ+ people, you need to be able to oppose anti-LGBTIQ+ laws and you need to not prevent actions which oppose oppressive behaviours and actions against us.
      “We strongly urge UEFA to recognise their power and reconsider their position on this, and to work in partnership with the communities they purport to support.”
      Uefa recently revealed Germany and Manuel Neuer will face no punishment for wearing a rainbow armband in support of Pride Month in games against France and Portugal
      SunSport previously reported that German clubs are lighting their stadiums up in rainbow colours in response to UEFA’s handling of tonight’s game.
      And Torrance added: “The ’46:1 in favour of the rainbow’ response from football clubs in Germany is a show of leadership that is uplifting and powerful and is unequivocal in its support.
      “To see the level of support from players, officials and fans across the football world and beyond is inspiring and is the most heartening thing about this whole incident.
      It’s notable how out of step UEFA as the Governing Body are with public support and opinion on this
      “Since sending our letter yesterday evening, we have been inundated with further support from many other groups operating in UEFA member states, and from many in Hungary in particular.
      “It’s notable how out of step UEFA as the Governing Body are with public support and opinion on this.”

      Wembley is the host of this year’s final but Torrance claimed that UEFA would prove their failings if they approved rainbow colours for that game after blocking German requests.
      He told SunSport: “We would of course welcome Wembley being lit up with rainbow colours, and other clear visibility and unequivocal support that they can bring to this issue.
      “But UEFA support for lighting up Wembley whilst doubling down on their opposition to lighting up the Allianz Arena, would further highlight their inability to stand up strongly when it counts.”

      Defiant German club Hertha Berlin lights up stadium with rainbow colours More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Brave referee Sapir Berman comes out as transgender and set to undergo gender reassignment surgery

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      BRAVE referee Sapir Berman has come out as transgender and is set to undergo gender reassignment surgery.The Israeli official, 26, is in her second season as a top-flight official, having worked her way up her country’s pyramid.
      Brave Sapir Berman addressed the media at a press conferenceCredit: AP
      Berman, 26, will now begin gender reassignment surgeryCredit: AP
      But Berman, whose birth name was ‘Sagi’, will now start officiating games as a woman.
      And in a press conference this week, she revealed that she has gratefully received large support from the Israeli football comminuty.
      Having begun living publicly as a woman three months ago, Berman told reporters: “I always saw myself as a woman, from a young age.
      “I realised society will not accept me, will not be on my side, so I continued like this for nearly 26 years.
      “I decided to come out and to show who I am, first of all to myself, for my soul.”
      Players have been receptive and respectful, addressing her by the correct pronouns even when moaning about decisions on the field.
      And she is grateful for their response, adding: “It shows me there’s change in society.”
      The Israeli FA have also done their bit to make Berman feel accepted, taking to social media to release a supportive message.
      Berman has refereed in the Israeli top flight for two seasonsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/sapir_berman/?hl=en

      Their tweet read: “We have a new Referee, Sapir Berman. The first Referee to be transgender. We are so proud!”
      Berman has now been given separate dressing rooms to her male counterparts.
      And managing director of Israel’s referees association Jair Teper added: “The gender identity is of no importance to us, what counts is only the skills on the football field.”
      Berman isn’t the world’s first transgender referee, with British official Lucy Clark having come out back in 2018.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Referee orders players back from dressing room after blowing whistle a minute early in Sevilla’s win over Granada More

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      in Soccer

      Premier League footballer says ‘I’m gay but I am afraid to come out’ in anguished open letter

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      AS a kid, all I ever wanted to be was a footballer.
      I wasn’t interested in doing well at school.
      Instead of doing homework, every spare minute I had was spent with a ball.
      In the end it paid off.
      But even now I still have to pinch myself when I run out and get to play each week in front of tens of thousands of people.
      However there is something that sets me apart from most of the other players in the Premier League.
      I am gay.
      Even writing that down in this letter is a big step for me.
      But only my family members and a select group of friends are aware of my sexuality. I don’t feel ready to share it with my team or my manager.
      That’s hard. I spend most of my life with these guys and when we step out on the pitch we are a team.
      But still, something inside me makes it impossible for me to be open with them about how I feel.
      I dearly hope one day soon I will be able to.
      I’ve known since I was about 19 that I was gay. How does it feel having to live like this?
      Day-to-day, it can be an absolute nightmare.
      And it is affecting my mental health more and more.
      I feel trapped and my fear is that disclosing the truth about what I am will only make things worse.
      So, although my heart often tells me I need to do it my head always says the same thing: “Why risk it all?”
      I am lucky enough to earn a very good wage. I have a nice car, a wardrobe full of designer clothes and can afford to buy anything I want for my family and friends.
      But one thing I am missing is companionship.
      I am at an age where I would love to be in a relationship.
      But because of the job I do the level of trust in having a long-term partner has to be extremely high.
      So, at the moment, I avoid relationships at all.
      I dearly hope I will soon meet someone who I think I will be able to trust enough.
      The truth is I just don’t think football is ready yet for a player to come out.
      The game would need to make radical changes in order for me to feel able to make that step. The Professional Footballers Association say they are ready to help a player to come out.
      And they have said they will offer counselling and support to anyone who needs it.
      This is missing the point. If I need a counsellor I can go and book a session with one whenever I want. What those running the game need to do is educate fans, players, managers, agents, club owners — basically everyone involved in the game.
      If I was to make that step I’d want to know that I would be supported at each step of my journey. Right now, I don’t feel I would be.
      I wish I didn’t have to live my life in such a way.
      But the reality is there is still a huge amount of prejudice in football.
      There are countless times I’ve heard homophobic chants and comments from supporters directed at no one in particular.
      Strangely it doesn’t really bother me during the matches. I am too focused on playing.
      It’s when I get back on the plane or the coach and I have time to think that it gets to me.
      As things stand my plan is to carry on playing for as long as I feel able to and then come out when I have retired.
      It was great last month to see Thomas Beattie raise his hand and admit to being gay. But the fact he had to wait until retirement tells you all you need to know.
      Footballers are still too scared to make the step while they are playing.For the past year I have been getting support from the Justin Fashanu Foundation, not least to cope with the toll this is all having on my mental health.
      It is hard to put into words how much the Foundation has helped. It has made me feel supported and understood as well as giving me the confidence to be more open and honest with myself especially.
      Without that support I really don’t know where I’d be now.
      I know it might get to the point where I find it impossible to keep living a lie.
      If I do my plan is to retire early and come out. I might be throwing away years of a lucrative career. But you can’t put a price on your peace of mind.
      And I don’t want to live like this forever. More

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      in Soccer

      Premier League star says ‘I’m gay but I’m afraid to come out’ in anguished open letter

      by

      AS a kid, all I ever wanted to be was a footballer.
      I wasn’t interested in doing well at school.
      Instead of doing homework, every spare minute I had was spent with a ball.
      In the end it paid off.
      But even now I still have to pinch myself when I run out and get to play each week in front of tens of thousands of people.
      However there is something that sets me apart from most of the other players in the Premier League.
      I am gay.
      Even writing that down in this letter is a big step for me.
      But only my family members and a select group of friends are aware of my sexuality. I don’t feel ready to share it with my team or my manager.
      That’s hard. I spend most of my life with these guys and when we step out on the pitch we are a team.
      But still, something inside me makes it impossible for me to be open with them about how I feel.
      I dearly hope one day soon I will be able to.
      I’ve known since I was about 19 that I was gay. How does it feel having to live like this?
      Day-to-day, it can be an absolute nightmare.
      And it is affecting my mental health more and more.
      I feel trapped and my fear is that disclosing the truth about what I am will only make things worse.
      So, although my heart often tells me I need to do it my head always says the same thing: “Why risk it all?”
      I am lucky enough to earn a very good wage. I have a nice car, a wardrobe full of designer clothes and can afford to buy anything I want for my family and friends.
      But one thing I am missing is companionship.
      I am at an age where I would love to be in a relationship.
      But because of the job I do the level of trust in having a long-term partner has to be extremely high.
      So, at the moment, I avoid relationships at all.
      I dearly hope I will soon meet someone who I think I will be able to trust enough.
      The truth is I just don’t think football is ready yet for a player to come out.
      The game would need to make radical changes in order for me to feel able to make that step. The Professional Footballers Association say they are ready to help a player to come out.
      And they have said they will offer counselling and support to anyone who needs it.
      This is missing the point. If I need a counsellor I can go and book a session with one whenever I want. What those running the game need to do is educate fans, players, managers, agents, club owners — basically everyone involved in the game.
      If I was to make that step I’d want to know that I would be supported at each step of my journey. Right now, I don’t feel I would be.
      I wish I didn’t have to live my life in such a way.
      But the reality is there is still a huge amount of prejudice in football.
      There are countless times I’ve heard homophobic chants and comments from supporters directed at no one in particular.
      Strangely it doesn’t really bother me during the matches. I am too focused on playing.
      It’s when I get back on the plane or the coach and I have time to think that it gets to me.
      As things stand my plan is to carry on playing for as long as I feel able to and then come out when I have retired.
      It was great last month to see Thomas Beattie raise his hand and admit to being gay. But the fact he had to wait until retirement tells you all you need to know.
      Footballers are still too scared to make the step while they are playing.For the past year I have been getting support from the Justin Fashanu Foundation, not least to cope with the toll this is all having on my mental health.
      It is hard to put into words how much the Foundation has helped. It has made me feel supported and understood as well as giving me the confidence to be more open and honest with myself especially.
      Without that support I really don’t know where I’d be now.
      I know it might get to the point where I find it impossible to keep living a lie.
      If I do my plan is to retire early and come out. I might be throwing away years of a lucrative career. But you can’t put a price on your peace of mind.
      And I don’t want to live like this forever. More