The Football Association hopes to remove homophobia from the sport. It announced recently that it will identify and prosecute players, referees, and fans who use homophobic language or exhibit anti-gay behavior.
FA’s Ethics and Sports Equity Manager: “There is a problem with homophobic abuse in the game directed at not just players but also referees and also opposing fans. Such behaviour is offensive and runs totally counter to both the game’s family image and efforts to make football more acceptable to all sectors of society.”
The leading gay football team in Britain, Stonewall FC, claims that at least two Premiership football stars are gay but are afraid to reveal their homosexuality. Their chairman said, “Stonewall players have known high profile players, not actually had a relationship with them, but known they are gay. They have to stay low key. It’s not even an option to come out.”
Football to Boot Out Homophobic Fans [guardian]
