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Graeme Souness' Passionate Speech On Attitudes Towards Gay Footballers Goes Viral
Graeme Souness' speech about football creating an 'uncomfortable environment' for gay players has gone viral for being spot on.
Premier League clubs have come together across this weekend to celebrate Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign.
Souness discussed the campaign on Sky Sports ahead of Brighton vs Wolves on Sunday afternoon.
Graeme Souness on why there are no openly gay footballers in the Premier League
:speaking_head:"I came from a generation which was extremely homophobic. I went to the Brighton pride and learn't so much, it changed my attitude" pic.twitter.com/ysbBlZshJ7
- Football Daily (@footballdaily) December 8, 2019
"The PFA and Premier League have to look at themselves," Souness said.
"Why has nobody ever come out? I don't think football has created an environment where anybody would feel comfortable or confident if they did.
"There must be gay and bisexual players in the Premier League but nobody has felt confident enough to say 'this is me'.
"I came from a generation, where it was extremely homophobic, the banter in our dressing room."
The Premier League stands proudly alongside @stonewalluk in promoting LGBT equality and inclusion :flag_white:️:rainbow:
Clubs and communities are stronger when everyone feels welcome, and it's down to all of us to make that happen#ThisIsEveryonesGame #RainbowLaces pic.twitter.com/EHovzL1Xkd
- Premier League (@premierleague) December 2, 2019
The former Liverpool captain also said he attended Brighton Pride a number of months ago and it was 'enlightening'.
"I found it extremely educational and I would tell anyone to come here if they want to learn more. They will go away with a completely different opinion."
Twitter reacted to his comments and praised the pundit who's often maligned for his footballing views.
I hate this guy with a passion. But for once he speaks with some sense. It's plain and simple. 100% their are gay players in the EPL, but they aren't gonna come out while they are still playing in fear of ruining/ending their careers early. & u can't blame them honestly ....
- Brandon M (@manutdfan101) December 8, 2019
He gets a lot of stick and sometimes rightly so, but coming from someone from his generation this is a very important conversation hopefully it gives someone the confidence to be true to themselves
- Elijah (@elijahhughes97) December 8, 2019
This is terrific from Graeme Souness: uplifting, modern and in need of even more individual and institutional support - but the times are a changing https://t.co/U4Med2uOQT
- Graham Hunter (@BumperGraham) December 8, 2019
10 months agoNo Premier League player has come out as gay while actively playing.
Thomas Hitzlsperger became the first openly gay player to have played in the English top flight back in 2014.
The former Aston Villa midfielder told The Guardian in 2014:
"The important thing for me is to show that being homosexual and professional football player is something that is normal.
"The perceived contradiction between playing football, the man's game, and being homosexual is nonsense.
"I don't think anyone has ever come away from watching a game with me thinking there's something wrong or 'too soft' with my game."
Souness' comments will hopefully be a catalyst for more positive attitudes towards homosexuality in the sport.
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports & PA
Topics: Football News, Football, Graeme Souness
