I suppose the 'journey' may well be similar for gay players as black players - the initial ones will probably get a bit of pissed up abuse at away grounds until the neanderthal element get their heads round it.That’s an amazing point I’d not really considered. Yes racism and homophobia both can be terribly hurtful, but one doesn’t come out as”black.” Without the proper structure in place to support more individuals coming out, I fear this might be the exception and not the rule in players coming out as gay.
What odds on Millwall vs Blackpool being their opening fixture next season?I suppose the 'journey' may well be similar for gay players as black players - the initial ones will probably get a bit of pissed up abuse at away grounds until the neanderthal element get their heads round it.
Could be tough all round - lower leagues don't get the stewarding or media scrutiny of the pl. More like the top division 30-40 yrs ago I suppose.What odds on Millwall vs Blackpool being their opening fixture next season?
Hopefully not. His profile has been raised as a result of coming out, so there will always be cameras around him.Could be tough all round - lower leagues don't get the stewarding or media scrutiny of the pl. More like the top division 30-40 yrs ago I suppose.
This is why there is reluctance
You should listen to Justin Fashnu’s daughter, she’s actively challenging gay players to come out, it’s fuck all to do with her. It’s an individual’s choice, I like to look at it a bit like someone who’s vegetarian, it has no bias for me, I’m really not interested in their private lives.I don't think people in the LGBT community are pressuring any individuals to come out. In the main, they are offering support for them to do so if they want to and are ready to. The main source of pressure on a young footballer to come out is through the fact that if they don't do it on their own terms, they'll be outed by the press or gossip mongers the second they dare to go out with a partner in public or are spotted in gay venue.
Obviously it represents progress and hope for gay people to see that it's possible to be gay and accepted across all walks of life and professions. It's wrong to suggest that "the community" is trying to force people out though.
Justin Fashanu played for us in '89, so it's a bit more than "highly likely" mateIt's highly likely that at least one of our players, past or present, is gay. He doesn't have to tell us. But I'd like him to feel like we'd support him if he did.