French football sensation Florent Malouda speaks out against homophobia. In an interview on Chelsea FC's website, the member of the French national team and native of French Guiana compares homophobia to racism.
"[Football] is now beginning to fight another long-standing enemy in homophobia, an issue Malouda believes is no different to other forms of discrimination in society. 'It is the same,' he says. 'Before people couldn't even speak about that like they were rejecting it and saying it is not existing - people who do it are wrong, hiding behind religion to explain their behaviour against gays, but you have to accept people as they are and once you understand that, you understand our differences are our strength.'"
On homophobia and racism from fans, Malouda adds: "I believe there is only one race, but because of that origin people can make you feel like you are different. ... You have to prove to the others they are wrong and don't accept it."
Last winter, Britain's leading footballers refused to participate in an anti-homophobia campaign for fear of being taunted and ridiculed. David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand, Cristiano Ronaldo and Sol Campbell—who has been relentlessly subjected to homophobic abuse—were among the big names the Football Association hoped would participate. Ferdinand, who has probably been the most vocal about homophobic, suggested the FA should deduct points for homophobic taunts from fans. Unfortunately he also refused to appear in the video.
Some Background:
2 Arrested After Racist Taunts of Sol Campbell
4 Banned After Racist and Homophobic Taunts
2 More Banned After Racist and Homophobic Taunts
Rio Ferdinand: Deduct Points for Homophobic Fans
Campbell Taunted with Racist, Homophobic Insults
British Football Stars to Tape Anti-Homophobia Video
Top Footballers Refuse to Appear in Anti-Homophobia Video
French Footballer Accuses Teammates of "Impotence"
