Rick Edwards: Tom Daley's made a statement but fan backlash still stops footballers following suit

 
5 December 2013

In the wake of Tom Daley’s video message on Monday, where he informed his fans, and ultimately the world, he is in a relationship with a guy, there has been much discussion in the media, and across social networks, of what impact that will have. What impact that should have. On him, on his career, on his sponsorship deals but bigger than that — the effect such a statement from a good-looking young sporting icon at the near-pinnacle of his discipline might have on the nation.

Daley is one of those rare characters whose effervescent appeal transcends not only his own sport but sport in general, as evidenced by the faith ITV put in him to front a prime-time entertainment show.

The argument over whether or not it should be considered ‘news’ is entirely redundant. It is ‘news’ by virtue of the fact it has made the news. And then some. As a nation we want to read about it and chat about it — even though it’s pretty safe to say his orientation is not exactly revelatory.

The heartening thing about the naysayers who make comments along the lines of, “it shouldn’t matter, who cares, leave him alone, stop even talking about it” is that they are implicitly expressing their desire for a better society. One where someone like Daley coming out would not be a story. That’s all well and good — no right-minded person (sorry, religious nuts) would wish for a world where everyone was not accepted and treated equally. But the sad fact remains we don’t yet live in that society.

Another assertion I have seen made over and again is to do with privacy. That a person’s sexuality is no one’s business but their own so they should not feel any pressure to discuss it in public or to be put on a pedestal as examples. While the idealist in me agrees with this, the pragmatist pipes up. Because what we need, if we are to tackle something like homophobia in the school playgrounds, is positive, open role models in the media and in sport in particular. People who can inspire change and give hope and strength to young people who may find themselves wrestling with their identities.

Which brings me to the sport I love the most. There are around 5,000 professional footballers in the UK. And not one has come out as gay. I suppose you have to briefly entertain the notion that is simply because not one of them is gay but that is statistically implausible.

Roughly 1.5 per cent of men in the UK are gay according to the latest survey from the Office for National Statistics, so some matchbox maths suggests you might expect around 75 professional footballers to be gay. Although ‘footballers’ is not a representative sample of the population by any means, it still seems sensible to assume there are a number of gay footballers and so the question is what, if anything, is preventing them from coming out?

I only have anecdotal evidence of homophobia in football. Supporters, in the heat of battle, will shout some pretty despicable things at opposition players and fans alike. In my many years going to grounds, I have definitely noticed a welcome decline in the usage of racial epithets but the casual deployment of gay slurs is still rife. Disguised and excused as banter. But it is not banter. It’s rank bullying and prejudice. And it lies deep.

To that very point, here’s a potentially revealing insight about a lifelong football fan (me). I was just about to write something about Justin Fashanu and found myself typing, and then rapidly deleting, ‘the last footballer to break ranks and admit to…’ Admit. A word laden with the suggestion of guilt and shame. I am categorically not a homophobe (some of my best friends etc, etc) and yet that was the term I idly, unthinkingly chose. Fine, I pulled back immediately, but I am genuinely appalled I would ever even consider using a term so pejorative.

Back to Fashanu, who was the last playing footballer in the UK to break ranks and announce to the press he was gay. In 1990. More than two decades ago. There is little doubt the abuse he received as a consequence was a factor in his suicide.

Recently, the young United States international Robbie Rogers came out but only after leaving Leeds United, saying he felt that remaining in football after declaring his homosexuality would be impossible. It subsequently transpired he felt comfortable enough to play on in his homeland, signing for LA Galaxy. Robbie Keane, the captain, was quoted as saying he thought there have been many players in England, “too frightened to come out”. If so, what are they frightened of? What is it that is making their sexuality a taboo subject?

You have to suspect it is the anticipated reception of the fans. I’m an optimist, though. I believe the fans would embrace anyone who made such a declaration. For starters, their loyalty to their players is unquestioning. I realise, of course, that this is easy for me to say because I’m not ever going to be put in a position where I might be getting cruelly barracked by thousands of opposition fans.

I suppose what I hope for, above all, is that Daley’s message makes an impact on some fellow sportsmen. That a Premier League footballer will come out and declare his homosexuality. I won’t be holding my breath though.

Baize of glory ends for Mitchell and me

PA

The new format of the UK Snooker Champs created a bit of a stir — with an annoyed top 16 having to go through two extra rounds, giving the chance for seven lucky amateurs to take some mighty scalps. Mitchell Travis beat the world No6 Marco Fu in the first round and I, for one, got very excited. He then beat Kurt Maflin in the second round. My excitement built and propelled me, dizzy with upset fever, to the bookies. Mitchell (above) promptly lost 6-1 (and my money) in the third round to David Morris. And the last 16 looks all too familiar. Shame.

Hull owner can play name game for £70m

Steve Bruce’s defence of Hull owner Assem Allam’s comments to unhappy fans has been admirable. Apparently he does not want the fans to die, he wants the situation to die. Which is odd, given that he said “they can die as soon as they want”. But I suppose the Egyptian-born owner has been in Hull for only 45 years, so cannot be expected to express himself clearly at all times. For what it’s worth, I think if someone has put around £70million into a team, they can call it what they like. Hull Hamsters, anyone?

I’m tickled pink by Ince’s red card rage

In their 1-0 defeat at Yeovil Town in the Championship on Tuesday, Paul Ince’s Blackpool had three players sent off in a crazy last five minutes. Ince is understandably miffed about this. He feels that the players let him, as manager, and the club down. As such, he said: “I will take further action with them for sure… I took action against myself when I got banned.” I’m not ashamed to say that the thought of Paul Ince taking action against himself has made me chuckle solidly for two hours.

Motherhood seems to agree with Sarah

GETTY

Dame Sarah Storey has not let a little thing like childbirth get in the way of her paracycling domination.

The 11-time Paralympic gold medallist (left) won the 3km pursuit in the Paracycling International Cup in Newport this weekend, her first win on the tour since having her first child, Louisa, in June.

She did concede that she had found it tough and didn’t have “as many reserves as I would normally have”. I guess breast-feeding will do that to you.

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