Changing the Game: The Effort to Tackle Homophobia in Men’s Football.

For the most part, football fans would like to think that football is an inclusive sport open to all. But the sad reality we must face is that the sport has not got to that stage. People usually say that there is only a ‘small minority’ of people in the game who are homophobic, but if the number against homosexuality is so small, then why do they have such an effect in terms of the drive for equality?  

The sporting world has been graced by many athletes who have been openly accepted in the LGBTQIA+ community, such as legendary tennis player Billie Jean King, boxer Nicola Adams, and Olympic diver Tom Daley. These people have been welcomed with open arms in terms of their sexuality in their respective sports. However, we are yet to see an array of players who can serve as inspirational queer role models to others in the beautiful game.  

The stigma surrounding homosexuality in football has stuck around for many years and has never seemed to be able to fade or diminish. An international sports study found that 78% of people believe an openly gay person would not be safe as a match spectator. Whether it comes from those in the stands or the people in the highest positions of authority in football, the profound effect it can have on those who are targeted is massive. Aaron McKenna, Chairperson at Saltire Thistle which is a men's LGBTQIA+ football team said: “Football can be a harsh and cutthroat environment for those who have previously faced discrimination.”  

It is vital to look back in time in terms of those who have created a path for the players of today. In a much more hostile time for queer players, Justin Fashanu unleashed a new era in football. Fashanu was the first in a few aspects. One of the first players to have a transfer fee of over 1 million and later became the first openly gay male professional footballer. However, his struggles and prejudice that he was on the receiving end of was what enabled his devastating downfall. In 1998 after he moved to the USA, he was accused of sexual assault. Before Fashanu could be tried in court, he fled his flat leaving a suicide note. He explained that due to his sexuality he felt he would not be granted a free and fair trial. He was later found dead at 38 years old. For a person that broke so many barriers to have such a sad ending all due to his sexuality just shows the problems within the sport that he was made to feel that way.  

In terms of why players may feel scared, anxious, and afraid to be who they truly are, Sociology professor Rory Magrath at Southampton Solent University believes that there are “multiple reasons” as to why players chose to hide their sexuality. These reasons include being apprehensive due to the discrimination and abuse that they could receive. He also said: “I along with others suspect that players are being told to stay in the closet by agents, to ensure no potential loss in endorsements and homophobic comments.” If you were to put yourself in the shoes of a player who is gay but keeps it concealed, it seems to them that expressing themselves would do more harm than good.   

As it stands currently, there are only six footballers across the world out as gay. Yet from the information we have and the world we live in, why are we surprised? Depending on who players play for, they have the chance to travel all around the world with their team. This may sound like a fantastic experience, but players can travel to countries in which if someone were gay, they would not be welcome. This is a crucial factor which could lead players in the LGBTQ+ community to not feel able to come out, highlighting the extremity of the problem.  

Following this issue, there was a huge outrage after the announcement of the 2022 World Cup being held in Qatar. For example, In Qatar people can be criminalised for having same sex relations. This was an integral part of the worldwide outrage the announcement caused, and shows that even in recent times, the welfare of players is not at the forefront of minds. Professor Magrath said: “Players can travel to countries across the world to compete, some of these countries, unfortunately are conservative in terms of attitudes towards homosexuality.”  

Across the footballing spectrum however, there are teams who are becoming the driving force for equality. Saltire Thistle are one of the many teams based in the UK for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies.  

The team was formed in 2010 and was not only to be an inclusive space for people, but also to allow people to feel safe and have fun while playing the game they love. Aaron McKenna said: “We have a sense of inclusion and acceptance no matter a players ability” he continued and said: “The players can be themselves and excel at football at the same time. It is vital that these organisations are available to people and that teams like Saltire Thistle are heading the sport in the right direction.  

For things to change in football, action must be taken. This is when we should look to those at the highest and most influential positions in the sport to implement transformational changes. This is to ensure that players who are gay can feel safe and protected along with being able to feel that they belong in football.  

Organisations such as Football vs Homophobia are key to this. Consistently, when Football vs Homophobia is not seeing any strong changes within the game, they would call out those who were in the best position to do so. For example, they ask the FA to take control of the mass chanting towards teams as they have the power to put an end to this. The anti-discrimination charity Kick it Out carried out a survey, 15% of discriminatory behaviour against players, fans and officials was based on sexual orientation.   

For the sporting bodies themselves, it is abundantly clear that more must be done. Professor Magrath said: “Sporting bodies are making attempts to look inclusive, although essentially these equality strategies are more like performative speech acts.”   

In a survey carried out by YouGov, only 16% of UK football fans say they have seen an array of campaigns against homophobia. This is a stark contrast to 86% of fans saying they have seen a lot of campaigns against racism. The FA seems to have their priorities set when it comes to racism and are making progress in tackling it. There is no room to compare the two issues. But there must be some form of a level playing field to tackle these deep-rooted problems. Alongside this, Aaron McKenna believes equality campaigns are heading in the wrong direction therefore a “change of emphasis” is needed for things to change.  

The importance for gay players to have others around them who are similar in terms of sexuality is massive. Even for fans, having players who are out as gay could contribute to many more people becoming involved within the sport. As is currently, it is the case that people could look at football as a sport which is against most things, including homosexuality. That is now outdated for the most part. Professor Magrath said: “Generational impact has effect on attitudes towards homosexuality, older generation tend to be less acceptant whether as the younger generation are more likely to be acceptant.” In modern times, people are attempting to mend this.  

The players at Saltire Thistle "understand the challenges” of why there is such a lack of gay representation and role models in the sport. In a report carried out by Signify, out of 1,500 reports of discrimination, 40% was targeted towards male footballers. Aaron McKenna said: “The players know their part; they are helping to push a worldwide message to people.”   

When looking to the future, the environment for all players to be equal may seem far away. But the progress is slowly making its impact. Whether it is in the next few years or 10, as a community the time will come where it is fully acceptable for a player to love who they love and nothing else to be said or matter. For Aaron McKenna, he said: "The perfect reality would be that a player does not feel that they need to ‘come out.’ They can just be gay and be accepted for who they truly are.”   

If a club were to post on its social media page with anything remotely queer, the comments section is filled with what you would expect people to say. Mostly anyways, there are the odd few who support, but the number is too little.  

The men's game just has to look at how the women's game is progressing in terms of equality. For players in the WSL and SWPL it is the norm to be queer, can even be seen as a stereotype. So surely it cannot take that much for it to transfer over to the men's game. The work certainly has to be done off the pitch for there to be an impact. And it must happen now.