Homophobia in Football: Some football fans would not watch an openly gay player at their club
A ComRes survey has found that homophobia is still prevalent among football fans
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NEARLY ten per cent of football fans would refuse to watch their team if there was an openly gay player in the side, a shock survey has revealed.
While the majority of supporters do not have an issue with a homosexual player at their club, some fans admitted it would keep them away.
An online poll conducted by ComRes on behalf of BBC Radio Five Live found 82 per cent of football fans would not have any issue with an openly gay player at their club.
However, eight per cent said they WOULD NOT watch the team they support if there was an openly gay player in the side.
Troy Townsend, from football equality organisation Kick it Out, told SunSport: "We know there are gay players plying there trade here in the UK at the highest levels. The survey highlights the issue and still asks the question if there is a safe environment within football for players to be open about their sexuality."
The ComRes survey also reported 61 per cent of football fans feel gay players should come out and therefore encourage others to do the same.
There has never been a player in Premier League or Football League who has come out as gay while still playing.
The results of the survey suggest there is still a long way to go until a professional player in Britain feels comfortable and safe about going public about their sexuality.
Former German International Thomas Hitzlsperger who played in the Premier League for Aston Villa, West Ham and Everton announced he was gay in 2014 after retiring from the game.
Robbie Rogers retired from football after his release from Leeds United in 2013, with the US International coming out as gay a few weeks later aged 25. Rogers, who now plays for the LA Galaxy, admitted he wanted to avoid the pressure and scrutiny from football fans and the media about his private life at the time.
The concern is that a gay player will initially no longer be judged on their football ability. This is where the game has to take responsibility, just as it would in any other situation to protect their welfare, Townsend added.