Soccer star Anders Lindegaard has called on gay footballers to come out of the closet. No British professional has come out since ex-Norwich and Nottingham Forest striker Justin Fashanu in 1990. He committed suicide eight years later aged 37.
“Gay people need a hero. They need someone who dares to step forward and stand for their sexuality,” The Sun quoted Lindegaard, as saying.
“Homosexuality in football is a taboo subject. The atmosphere on the pitch and in the stands is tough. The mechanisms are primitive, and it is often expressed through a classic stereotype notion that a real man should be brave, strong, aggressive and loyal,” he added.
Lindegaard said that it was a big problem for all gay guys who have a love for the sport but are prevented from expressing it due to their sexuality.
“Of course it is a problem for young gay guys who love football, and feel they must stop their sport. Any discrimination is totally unacceptable, regardless of whether it is to do with colour, religion or sexuality,” he said.