Soccer Star Urges Gay Footballers to Come Out
SOCCER star Anders Lindegaard has called for gay footballers to come out of the closet.
The Manchester United goalie — who is straight — said: “Gay people need a hero.
“They need someone who dares to step forward and stand for their sexuality.”
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.
Dane Anders, 28, said: “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.
“And it is not the image that a football supporter associates with a gay person.
“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.
“A gay player would fear the reception he gets from fans. My general impression is that other players would accept a gay player without any major problems.”
Lindegaard, writing for a Danish betting website, added: “My girlfriend Misse is a model, and the fashion industry is extremely open-minded.”
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