Ahead of World Cup, fans show support for openly gay soccer players

A new poll conducted by Stonewall, England’s leading gay lobbying organization, and Football Addicts, the Swedish developer of the app Forza Football, shows that an overwhelming majority of fans, would support an openly gay football player if he were to come out, reports The Guardian. The poll, which surveyed some 30,000 fans in 29 countries, revealed that Europeans tended to be the most receptive to the idea. The poll, which was conducted anonymously, is by no means conclusive but does suggest a subtle but important shift in fans’ attitudes toward gay soccer players.

“Over the last 10 years we have seen great strides in attitudes toward lesbian, gay and bisexual people,” said James Taylor, head of policy at Stonewall. “Sadly, our national game has not moved as far or as quickly as other parts of society. It’s clear that more needs to be done to tackle homophobia not just in football, but sport more generally. Stonewall will continue to work with the professional bodies and clubs at all levels to improve the game for gay players and gay fans. These stats show that our mission is just as vital today as ever.”

Patrik Arnesson, the co-founder of Football Addicts, pointed out that his native Sweden is home to the only domestic league in Europe to have housed an openly gay player – Anton Hysen, formerly of BK Hacken. “His [Hysen’s] courage perhaps contributes to the Swedes’ belief that a person’s sexuality is of no relevance and has no impact on their sporting ability,” he said.

Sweden and Denmark tied for first at 79 percent while Italy, Portugal and the Netherlands all fell in the mid-to-upper 60s in their share of support. The United States ended up at the bottom of those nations the poll chose to reveal at 52 percent.

The World Cup, which has occurred every four years since 1930, save 1942 and 1946, is one of the world’s most watched sporting events. Thirty-two teams compete over approximately one month for the title of World Cup champion. Currently, Spain holds the title from their victory in South Africa in 2010.

In February of 2013, Robbie Rogers, an American winger for the LA Galaxy sports franchise and the first openly gay man to compete in a top North American professional sports league, came out. His experience, which he has described as “95 percent positive” has led him to help others navigate the mostly still unchartered waters of coming out in a professional sports league. Jason Collins, the first openly gay basketball player, reportedly contacted Rogers to help him deal with what he knew would surely be a media firestorm once he came out two months after Rogers.