“I think it will encourage other players to have that confidence to be who they want to be.”ĭaniels said he had received “some of the best support and advice from my family, my Club, my agent and Stonewall, who have all been incredibly proactive in putting my interests and welfare first.”īlackpool FC said it had “worked closely with Stonewall and the relevant footballing organisations to support Jake” and was “incredibly proud that he has reached a stage where he is empowered to express himself both on and off the pitch.” “It was a kind of lump in your throat kind of moment,” the 40-year-old from Kew said. Peter Knight, member of the LGBTQ+ friendly London Titans FC, said he felt “quite emotional” following the news. Great to see the support of Blackpool FC and Stonewall UK to make this possible!” Let’s all help create a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ people in football and beyond!”Įx-West Ham and Everton player Thomas Hitzlsperger tweeted: “Well done Jake Daniels. The former Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand tweeted: “Massive respect for this brave decision. Keir Starmer added: “This shows real courage and bravery and will serve as an inspiration to many young people across the country.
“īoris Johnson was among the well-wishers, responding: “Thank you for your bravery Jake, it would have taken huge courage to come out and you will be an inspiration to many both on and off the pitch.” Until the authorities take firm and more decisive action I am concerned many players will continue to live in secret, wrongly believing they have something to be ashamed of. “The sad reality is there is still a lot of homophobia in the game, at all levels.
She said: “If my uncle Justin were alive I know he would have been one of the first people to have contacted Jake to offer his support and best wishes. There have been numerous out LGBT+ players in the women’s sport, including the acclaimed former England captain Casey Stoney.Īmal Fashanu, the niece of Justin Fashanu, praised Daniels “for the immense bravery he has shown today by taking this step in making his sexuality public.” Other players have come out since, including ex-West Ham and Everton player Thomas Hitzlsperger, but none have done so while playing in the top tier of British men’s football. He is the first player to come out since Justin Fashanu, who did so in 1990 amid rumours about his private life – taking his own life eight years later after years of homophobic abuse.
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“Now I am just confident and happy to be myself finally.” Jake Daniels is the first openly gay male professional footballer in Britain since Justin Fashanu (Photo: Sky Sports News)