Former England Footballer Rio Ferdinand Says Gay Player Was Advised Not To Come Out By Lawyer
Former footballer Rio Ferdinand revealed he had spoken to a gay male player who had wanted to come out but was advised against it by a lawyer.
The now pundit has been giving evidence to a joint committee of MPs and peers, who are listening to views on the draft Online Safety Bill, as Sky News reports.
While speaking about the impact of racist abuse, the session turned towards issues around homophobia and Mr. Ferdinand said he met a “player who had come out and was advised by a lawyer not to come out and speak."
The former England and Manchester United defender added: “I initially said 'you need to come out and speak your truth and be proud of who you are.'
“The reason why the lawyer advised him not to come out is because every individual is very different and you can't use a blanket approach.
“[The lawyer] advised him based on his experience with that individual, and he didn't think that he was strong enough mentally at that time, and have the right pieces in place to be able to withstand the media attention and the spotlight.”
There are no openly gay current players in professional English football.
Read related myGwork articles here:
Héctor Bellerín Doesn’t Think Football Is Ready For A Gay Player Just Yet
Out Soccer Star Collin Martin Urges LGBT+ Athletes To Come Out
Shipham Football Team Abandons Match After Homophobic Insult
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