Britain’s new Drug Free World Powerlifting Champion – one of the few athletes to come out and admit they are gay while still competing – is inviting all Premiership clubs, their management and players, to draw upon his experiences. Chris Morgan, who has just returned from Turin with the gold medal, has been prompted to contact The FA in the aftermath of the recent conference – Moving Football Forward.
The FA wants all teams to sign up to their bid to rid the game of homophobia in the same way that teams fought racism in the 1980’s, but a recent poll conducted by BBC Radio Five Live revealed that no managers would answer any of the questions put to them on the subject.
It spurred Chris – a member of Team England Powerlifting and Gay Games Ambassador - into offering his services to The FA in terms of talking to any players or managers in football who want to come out.
“It’s only a matter of time before a gay footballer makes the decision to be open about their sexuality,” he says. “As an ‘out’ sportsman operating in elite sport, I’ve decided to offer my help and support to any player who feels the need to take this step.
“Any footballer making this huge commitment is going to need unwavering support from their club, peers and management. I’m inviting the Premiership clubs, their management and players, to draw on my experience as a world class gay athlete.
"By committing to The FA’s homophobia campaign, football clubs will be helping develop an environment suitable for accepting a gay football player. I believe that sports people should be judged by their performance and not by their creed, colour or sexuality.
“My choice in Powerlifting was to be ‘out’ and ‘proud’ and not to hide my association with the Gay Games. Everybody has been tremendously supportive and have judged me on my performance. The time is now right for football clubs to offer support to any of their players who decide to be ‘open’ and ‘honest’ about their sexuality.”
The FA’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Simon Johnson, gave an undertaking at the Moving Football Forward convention, that a clear guidance and lead on combating homophobia in football will be given by The FA.
He underlined the commitment to opposing all forms of abuse and discrimination. Chris is a keen supporter of Coventry City - and they are strongly supporting The FA’s campaign as well, along with Manchester City, Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion.
A Coventry City spokesperson said they would back any move which aims to promote a more tolerant football society, as well as challenging stereotypes.
“We believe that no fan, player or anyone associated with the game should be abused in any circumstance – no matter their sexuality, religion or the colour of their skin. Coventry City underlines the fact that football clubs such as ours have an obligation to break down barriers and stamp out prejudice.
“We hope that conventions such as Moving Football Forward, will help change perceptions in football and that the messages find a wider audience in modern society.”
To report instances of abuse, discrimination and racism in football call
Freephone 0800 085 0508 or email FootballForAll@TheFA.com
