?% Villa (is that a thing, that % business?) Homophobia in Football

[Sexual Ealing]

This is interesting: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/nov/08/english-football-tolerates-homophobia-john-amaechi-tells-mps

Surely if a Villa player was to be the first high profile pro to come out (while still playing) then we'd overwhelmingly think of that as a cause for celebration. Obviously it's difficult for the individual concerned to become a standard bearer but I think that a positive response to the first one to do it would quickly mean that more would do it?

[Ger Regan]

I can totally understand why footballers don't come out. I have no doubt that if a villa player came out they'd be supported by the fans, but sadly I also have little doubt that if a player from a rival club came out, it would be open season on them.

[German James]

This is interesting: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/nov/08/english-football-tolerates-homophobia-john-amaechi-tells-mps

Surely if a Villa player was to be the first high profile pro to come out (while still playing) then we'd overwhelmingly think of that as a cause for celebration. Obviously it's difficult for the individual concerned to become a standard bearer but I think that a positive response to the first one to do it would quickly mean that more would do it?

It would be nice to think so, but I fear there'd be enough troglodyte c***s on the terraces - even our terraces - to make his life a misery. Absolutely ridiculous.

[Salsa Party Animal]

I think it need to say half of dozen players to come out at the same time so not one player get special treatment. 

[spk]

I dont think it would be that bad,maybe the odd comment,but I dont think there would be any group chants for example.Thankfully I havnt heard any racist stuff since the mid 80s,cant see why homophobia would be any different.

[MoetVillan]

I think its up to the huge majority to show their support. Ironically they would normally do this by continuing on as normal. I couldn't care less about someone's creed, colour, religion, sexuality, football team selection etc, its their choice. However it would be great to help people feel comfortable in coming out. I can't imagine how hard it must be to live a lie. I feel very ashamed of our so called forward thinking country sometimes

[dave.woodhall]

I dont think it would be that bad,maybe the odd comment,but I dont think there would be any group chants for example.Thankfully I havnt heard any racist stuff since the mid 80s,cant see why homophobia would be any different.

When did Matthew Upson last play at Villa Park?

[spk]

Could be wrong .but guessing 2001-2 ish.Pray tell,what happened ? (Genuine question)

[AV82EC]

I dont think it would be that bad,maybe the odd comment,but I dont think there would be any group chants for example.Thankfully I havnt heard any racist stuff since the mid 80s,cant see why homophobia would be any different.

When did Matthew Upson last play at Villa Park?

Yep, shameful from the Holte that day, absolute homophobia at its worst.

[spk]

Ah,didnt know that,feel a bit daft now.Still,do you think that would happen today ?

[Richard E]

I think things have moved on even in the relatively short time since then.

[Risso]

Could be wrong .but guessing 2001-2 ish.Pray tell,what happened ? (Genuine question)

Some internet nonsense rumour about him and Will Young, and it was open season.

[AV82EC]

Ah,didnt know that,feel a bit daft now.Still,do you think that would happen today ?

Possibly there's still enough people who think being gay is some sort of disease or something they just can't understand and of course there's those who'll do it and justify with the "it's just bantz".

[Dave P]

Could be wrong .but guessing 2001-2 ish.Pray tell,what happened ? (Genuine question)

Some internet nonsense rumour about him and Will Young, and it was open season.

Didn't he get sent off after about half an hour?

[AV82EC]

Could be wrong .but guessing 2001-2 ish.Pray tell,what happened ? (Genuine question)

Some internet nonsense rumour about him and Will Young, and it was open season.

Didn't he get sent off after about half an hour?

Taken off with an "injury". Looked visibly upset from where I was sitting.