"Our self appointed spokesman on everything, Joey Barton, has been the target of some criticism from myself in the past but there’s no denying that his appearance added a bit of gravitas to my belief that hetero footballers aren’t the reason for the invisibility of homosexuals in the game. He spoke from personal experience and deserves every bit of credit that comes his way for associating himself with the program. Which is more than can be said for the others who were asked to participate. I mean, it’s all well and good me coming out and saying that I’d welcome any gay footballer’s decision to come out but it’s not going to bring as much attention as if someone like Rio Ferdinand came out and said it. Rio’s refusal to give his endorsement to the cause was sad but probably understandable for someone who still deems it acceptable to use the word “faggot” when trying to degrade someone. Which is surprising since he has done so much to help stamp out other forms of bigotry from within the game. As with the other players mentioned, his non-appearance can only do him harm."
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Britain’s Gay Footballers: The Invisible Men | Football & Sport | Sabotage Times
This is a good article.
