Britain’s Most High-Profile Gay Sportsman Sets a Challenge for Football: Time to Tackle Homophobia

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/britains-most-highprofile-gay-sportsman-sets-a-challenge-for-football-time-to-tackle-homophobia-6296585.html

The former Welsh rugby captain, Gareth Thomas, has urged the Football Association to make a public statement in support of gay footballers to break down homophobic prejudice in the game.

Speaking in a BBC documentary, Britain’s most high-profile, openly gay sportsman claims talented players will be frightened away from a professional career unless the sport takes action to create a more welcoming atmosphere.

“I think if the FA were to make a statement saying … we will stamp on anything, then it would create a safer environment that’s comfortable for the footballers,” said Thomas, 37.