How would you react to a gay footballer coming out...

[Bob]

Theres been a phone in on 5Live this morning as i drove to the office, based on the fact that a NBA player has become the first 'active' american sports player to come out as Gay.

 

Part of the discussion was inevitably about whether it would be more difficult for a British footballer to come out and the tribalistic nature of fans was part of the answer as to why it would be.

 

I'm offering a poll - which is purposefully private so that people can put forward their true feelings about this - just to see what a typical selection of footie fans think.

 

So, if an opposition player from another premier league team came out, how would you react...

[Major Tom]

I wouldn't react as I wouldn't give a shit.

 

But he would be fucking ridiculed from the terraces. A footballer won't come out for many years in my view.

[rondeco]

I'd be delighted. Anytime somebody does not have to hide who they are is a good time. People coming out will make it easier for others to follow suit. Id love to see it happen.

[KevieG]

It would be a good thing. But it will take a very brave man to be the first.

[lifetime fan]

I can find plenty of reasons to abuse opposition players if I so wish, I wouldn't need to use who a bloke sleeps with behind closed doors to take the piss out of him.

[Red Banjo]

The signs are already there...

 

 

We just need confirmation

[Wool Woolsson]

It would be a good thing. But it will take a very brave man to be the first.

 

Justin Fashanu - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Didn't do him a whole lot of good in the end.

[J-V]

I wouldn't react as I wouldn't give a shit.

The above.

[KevieG]

Justin Fashanu - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Didn't do him a whole lot of good in the end.

 

I didn't think he came out while he was still playing?

[Bjornebye]

I thought Downing already had?

[Bob]

I'm not too sure that people would be that harsh on anyone that came out, personally. I think there is general tolerance now towards gay people in society to a level that people now simply accept that some people are gay, as they should.

 

Having said that, I only know 4 gay people well, of which 2 have received hellish treatment over the years simply for being who they are, so that tolerance might just be within my own social environment and i dont tend to associate with the neanderthals that would be abusive towards someone for being gay.

[Major Tom]

I'm not too sure that people would be that harsh on anyone that came out, personally. I think there is general tolerance now towards gay people in society to a level that people now simply accept that some people are gay, as they should.

 

 

A gay footballer would be ridiculed from pillar to post on the terraces. Look at the songs sung at Brighton.

[Lario]

Bothered.

[Wool Woolsson]

A gay footballer would be ridiculed from pillar to post on the terraces. Look at the songs sung at Brighton.

 

Would it actually be any worse than the claims of Victoria Beckham taking it up the wrong 'un or the alleged incestuous behaviour of the Nevilles, though?

[Bob]

A gay footballer would be ridiculed from pillar to post on the terraces. Look at the songs sung at Brighton.

 

good example, although its easier to believe that that song is harmless when there is no single target - not saying it is harmless, but justifying it in the eyes of those that sing it.

 

but, good point.

[Babb'sBurstNad]

Most of the derogatory songs are funny because they're clearly not true and intended to antagonise. If there was an out footballer i wouldn't expect that many to find it as funny or acceptable to abuse them. I reckon there aren't many clubs' fans that would en masse cross that line.

[Bjornebye]

I'd do posh spice up the arse wha wha??

[fowler9]

my reaction before would've been wouldn't give a shit but when that lad at Leeds did it a couple of months ago and immediately retired I think I'd have definitely thought fair play to him had he carried on playing and respected him for it

[cloggypop]

I would respect his honesty and bravery. There is no way I would be turning my back on him.

[Tony Moanero]

Anyone who sings homophobic songs is a dick-head.

[A Red]

Depends who the player is I would say. Does anyone honestly believe that if is was Rooney or Terry they wouldnt rip the piss

[Guest LFD]

[Kevin D]

I would be horrified. This faux racism soap opera is intolerable and if journalists had a new angle to prove how they're the most noble and virtuous men since the apostles, it would be painful. Every boo, every tackle, every comment would be proof that football fans are these terrible people and that the football community has deep rooted, institutional homophobia problems. Christ, I can see it now.

[navbasi]

Can you imagine if Suarez came out...

[cloggypop]

I think that there may be one or two in the womens game.