Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has said he will no longer remain silent when faced with homophobia, whether at the stadium or on social media.
Ramsdale said he wanted everyone to feel welcome in football, so that his gay brother could attend matches without fear of abuse, “BBC” reports.
He added that until now he has not openly talked about his brother’s sexuality, but that it is time to do so, “with everything that is happening in football at the moment”.
“I want this game that I love to be safe and everyone is welcome. I want my brother Ollie, or anyone of any other sexual orientation, race or religion, to come to games without fear of abuse. Over the years I’ve probably bit my tongue too many times whenever I’ve heard homophobic comments or stupid things. I think my brother did the same, thinking it would make my life easier. That ends today,” said Ramsdale.
“In the last few years, you see how much negativity and toxicity there is in football. Whether on social networks or on the stands, it seems that many people have lost their true view of the world,” he added.
