An extremely interesting follow-up to the story of Sol Campbell, the black British footballer who became the latest victim of ugly racist and homophobic taunts. That abuse included a deplorable song claiming he was HIV positive. A former star footballer, Paul Elliottt, who is also black, announces that at least 12 top football players are gay but are afraid to admit it. Who would blame them.
The dozen are afraid to admit their homosexuality to their team mates for fear of the reaction they would receive, [the] former Chelsea and Celtic star said.
While Elliott refused to reveal their names himself, the stars were challenged to come out to help rid football of homophobia.
It is clear that Elliott, who advises the Equality and Human Rights Commission, wants homophobia to be addressed with the same vigour as racism....
'One or two footballers have come to me to ask for advice over my time in football,' he said.
'Quite simply the next step of action would be to do exactly what Kick It Out has done. It's not re-inventing the wheel.
The Kick It Out campaign was established by the Football Association to raise awareness against racism. Elliott wants the program extended to homophobia and brings up the sad story of Justin Fashanu, the black football star who came out in 1990. Fashanu suffered vile homophobic abuse from fans and players, and, tragically took his own life in 1998.
It's fascinating that the black players—such as John Amaechi, Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell, Paul Eliott, Didier Drogba, etc—are the lead voices in English football speaking out against homophobia and homophobic abuse by fans. Maybe that's because they have been on the receiving end of racist taunts and abuse from English and European fans. Unfortunately, not the same luck on this side of the pond, where the black athletes are often spewing the homophobic abuse and largely do not identify as oppressed minorities.
Ex-player Claims At Least 12 Football Players Gay [DM]
Some Background...
Rio Ferdinand: Deduct Points for Homophobic Fans [R20]
Campbell Taunted with Racist, Homophobic Insults [R20]
Rod, you know I used to be one of those who didn't like any story that wasn't related to the United States. But now I see where you are coming from. It seems the loudest voices against homophobia in English soccer games are the black players. We can learn from that.
Posted by: Bryan Watkins | 20 October 2008 at 10:43
Henry from London here.
The football coverage is spot-on. Today Paul Elliott is on the BBC discussing his anti-homophobia programme. I am proud of my black mates for standing first.
Posted by: Henry TW | 20 October 2008 at 10:46
I am surprised Rod missed the obvious question. WHO ARE THE 12 GAY FOOTBALLERS?
Cristiano Ronaldo, definitely. He is so gay it hurts.
Posted by: Thomas M | 20 October 2008 at 10:50
Christiano Ronaldo is too pretty and too well groomed and too concerned with Gucci and Dolce Gabana. He is first comes to mind.
Posted by: Joseph | 20 October 2008 at 10:51
Joseph, stereotyping much?
Posted by: ATL KID | 20 October 2008 at 10:54
Christiano is FINE!
Posted by: Anti-believer | 20 October 2008 at 11:32
But what about Reggie Bush and Brian Westbrook. Oooops...wrong kind of football, hunh? Well, I'll probably never get near one of those fine foreign football boys. So, I'll just have to do my best to get Reggie away from that triflin' Kardashian gal.
Rod, your Giants are at 5 and 1, and I'm evil!
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 20 October 2008 at 11:48
good post, rod. paul elliott was one of the stronger footballers of recent memory and i applaud him for his efforts.
and, why should he name them? why? to experience the kind of taunting and harassment STRAIGHT football players get? and you all wonder why they don't come out? have you SEEN a football game on tv in england? then you would know how rabid, vile, and hate mongering those fans can be. not all are like that, but many are...
Posted by: Ryan | 20 October 2008 at 12:31
To make an excitable fueled comment in the dark without any support of evidence is much like the McCarthy era tactics.
I am sure that if you look at the number of players in the league and apply the rule of 10% there may be 12 players that are gay. However, to assert that you know of players that are gay is to betray their confidence and their lives.
These blanket comments do nothing more in my opinion than to add ridiculous and childish speculation on players and their lives.
I am sure that Mr. Elliot can promote his program without resorting to tactics that are "tabloid" oriented.
Posted by: Charles | 20 October 2008 at 14:21