Research on Sexuality in Football

[Scouse Hibee]

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I cant anymore. Does anyone really give a ***** about this stuff now. Yeh we would have the same arse holes shouting from the terraces but we will still have the same ones shouting racists abuse also. It has to be time for people to just be out and proud. They certainly are in the womens game.

Agree with this, we need to deal with the racists and homophobes that out themselves at every game.

[neil7908]

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Who are the most important people to “win over”?
Is the presumption it’s the fans and the rest will take care of itself?

I think this is the presumption and whilst a gay player would undoubtedly be on the receiving end of some terrible abuse and would be targeted, sadly that's something pretty much all players have to deal with. Whether it's abuse at a derby due to a city rivalry, or because or race or other issues footballers have to be incredibly brave and resilient to handle all that is thrown at them.

My gut feeling is that players would be more concerned with how their teammates react as dealing with all the nonsense from the fans is probably seen as part of the job. But you need your colleagues on your side defending you on the pitch and off. I suspect many football dressing rooms would struggle to accept a gay player.