Homosexuality in football - the last sporting taboo?

By Chris Dawkes

There are over 5,000 professional footballers in the English game today - yet not one is apparently gay.

Liam Davis, of Gainsborough Trinity in the Conference North, is currently the highest ranked openly homosexual player in the country's top six divisions.

He believes that scrutiny and pressure faced daily by today's top level players is preventing any from being honest about their sexuality.

Liam came out as gay to his family when he was 14-years-old, but chose not to reveal his sexuality to Grimsby Town, where he was a junior player at the time. He was concerned that being gay might prevent him earning a professional contract in the future.

Liam is not the only footballer who has kept his homosexuality a secret.

Justin Fashanu, the first black £1m pound player, became the first British player to come out late in his career but suffered abuse from fans. He tragically killed himself in 1998.

Justin Fashanu was the first footballer to come out as gay Credit: PA

Three years ago, former Leeds United winger Robbie Rogers walked away from the game at just 25 before revealing he was gay (he's now back in football in his native USA with LA Galaxy) while German international Thomas Hitzelsperger, who spent 5 years at Aston Villa early in his career, came out after retiring in 2014.

Thomas Hitzelsperger played for Everton, West Ham and Aston Villa Credit: PA

Simone Pound, head of equalities at the professional players' union the PFA, says her organisation is doing its best to educate its members.

Liam, who only came out publicly after being released by Grimsby and falling out of the professional game, says the only homophobic abuse he's received has come from the mouths other players, rather than fans.

It seems football still has a long way to go before a homosexual player feels confident enough to be honest about his sexuality.

The PFA is doing its best to create an inclusive environment but until a top league professional player is brave enough to be open about his homosexuality, being gay remains possibly the game's last great taboo.

Watch Keegan's final report on sexuality in sport here: