After what feels like an eternity since the tragic death of my uncle, Justin Fashanu,
almost 14 years ago, there are signs that the football authorities may
finally be taking a stand. Or is this just a public front amid growing
concerns about their lack of effort to tackle homophobia and transphobia
in sport?
Last Monday, I presented a BBC3 documentary asking why none of the 5,000-or-so professional footballers currently playing in Britain has come out publicly as gay.
Maybe the programme had some effect, because on Thursday it emerged that Premier League clubs are now expected to sign the Sports Charter, which includes a pledge to combat homophobia.
For
me, the Sports Charter is long overdue. It begins by saying that
"everyone should be able to participate in and enjoy sport – whoever
they are and whatever their background". That seems to be such basic
common sense it's amazing it had to be written down. Nonetheless, it
should not detract from the charter's importance in pushing towards a
welcoming environment for football players of all sexualities.
Maybe what John Amaechi,
the gay basketball player, said to me in the documentary is no longer
entirely accurate. Maybe the "white men in boardrooms" (as he described
Britain's football elite) have, in fact, realised that the game is no
longer played in the realms of the dark ages.
I am constantly reminded of a vivid statement my dad, John Fashanu,
made during the documentary. In the most assured voice he stated that
there was more chance of a black pope than of a football player "coming
out" as homosexual.
Yes, the Sports Charter shines a welcome light
on this long-standing taboo, but whether or not it will reassure any
players wanting to reveal their true identity and having a safe
environment in which to do so is another matter – a matter I feel the
English game is still a very long way from laying to rest.
The
lack of players who are willing to speak on the issue of homophobia
shows that turning the charter into reality is still going to be a
struggle – though it has the potential to act as the much-needed
catalyst to encourage the game's high-profile stars to address the
subject.
For the documentary, I did find some Millwall players who
were prepared to talk about it – which is a positive sign, even if many
more are still reluctant to do so.
Without sounding like a
cynical heartbroken niece, I welcome the Sports Charter and above all
hope it will finally bring tolerance and change in one of the most loved
games in the world.
theguardian.co.uk
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