By Zoe Applegate & Martin Barber Published 22 October 2020 Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Exactly 30 years ago, footballer Justin Fashanu hit the headlines as the first professional player to come out as gay. What impact did he make - and why have no others followed him? As a footballer, Justin Fashanu was a ground-breaker. In 1981 he became the country's most expensive black player with his £1m move to Nottingham Forest. Growing up in foster care in Norfolk alongside his footballer brother John, he had risen through Norwich City's youth ranks. His majestic strike against Liverpool in 1980 was Match of the Day's Goal of the Season, cementing his legendary status among Canaries fans. Then, in 1990, Fashanu stunned the football world when he told a newspaper he was gay. Three decades on, he remains the only male footballer to reveal his sexuality while … [Read more...] about Justin Fashanu: 30 years since footballer came out
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Jake Daniels: Is it easier for women footballers to come out?
By Catherine Evans Published 20 hours ago Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Men's football could pick up a few tactics in diversity from the women's game, according to fans. Footballer Jake Daniels received widespread praise and support as he became the first active player in more than 30 years to come out as gay . But the news has laid bare the differences in how LGBT players are treated. Fans of the women's game said there was less pressure for players to perform to gender stereotypes. In 1990, Justin Fashanu stunned the football world when he told a newspaper he was gay. Rainbow Wall for Wales' LGBTQ+ fans Why Daniels coming out is a watershed moment Others will follow Daniels' path, says Lineker Three decades on, he remained the only male footballer to reveal his sexuality while playing professionally in England's top tiers - until … [Read more...] about Jake Daniels: Is it easier for women footballers to come out?
Inside PSG’s private title celebrations led by Neymar as Lionel Messi nowhere to be seen
Neymar led Paris Saint-Germain's title celebrations, but fans of the French champions have stayed away as their protest against the club continues. PSG made sure of the title over the weekend , but their success came in less-than-convincing circumstances. Lionel Messi gave Mauricio Pochettino's side the lead against 10-man Lens at the Parc des Princes, but their depleted opponents still found an equaliser to ensure the spoils were shared on Saturday night. The game was notable for boos directed at Pochettino before kick-off, with reports suggesting the manager could still be sacked despite the title win. Supporters walked out in protest despite PSG reclaiming the Ligue 1 title - having finished runners-up behind Lille in 2021 - but the players still had time to celebrate. It was a fourth Ligue 1 title for Neymar since his world record move from Barcelona in 2017, though the Brazilian missed a chunk of the season through injury. The 30-year-old has just 11 goals in all … [Read more...] about Inside PSG’s private title celebrations led by Neymar as Lionel Messi nowhere to be seen
Kai Havertz makes ‘perfect player’ including Cristiano Ronaldo and Kevin De Bruyne
Chelsea forward Kai Havertz has named the four players that would make his perfect combined footballer. The German international is coming towards the end of his second campaign at Stamford Bridge and already, the former Bayer Leverkusen man has had a memorable time in London. Last year, Havertz scored the all-important goal in Chelsea ’s 1-0 Champions League final win over Manchester City in Porto. He also scored a penalty in extra-time win Chelsea the Club World Cup earlier this season against Palmeiras for the first time in the club’s history. This season, Havertz has netted 13 times in 44 appearances in all competitions for the Blues and is the club’s top scorer in all competitions. The German arrived as the club’s record signing in 2020 before Romelu Lukaku was re-signed by Chelsea from Inter Milan for a fee of £97.5m at the start of this season. Havertz, whose current goal tally in Blue is 22 in 89 games has developed a knack of scoring crucial goals for Thomas … [Read more...] about Kai Havertz makes ‘perfect player’ including Cristiano Ronaldo and Kevin De Bruyne
Australian election campaign goes off script as Scott Morrison accidentally tackles child
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has received a hero’s welcome at the Devonport Strikers football club - even after accidentally shoulder charging one of the club’s young players. Morrison shed his suit jacket and got in amongst it moments after arriving, showing off some not-so-fancy footwork as the children cheered and one declared him “better than Ronaldo”. At least until he accidentally tackled eight-year-old Luca Fauvette, who was unsighted on his left. After kicking the ball around for a bit, Morrison addressed the children - and their mums and dads - in the club’s rooms. READ MORE: Australian election: The long campaign has tightened the gap but many voters reject both leaders In Australia's quiet climate election, independents could make noise An uphill battle for Scott Morrison in as Australia readies to vote “Where’s Luca, where’s Luca? He’s probably gone off to hospital!” the prime minister joked after the accident, to a big roar. The club … [Read more...] about Australian election campaign goes off script as Scott Morrison accidentally tackles child
Wrexham: City of Culture judges visit as bid steps up
Published 7 days ago Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Wrexham will welcome judges for the 2025 UK City of Culture later as it steps up its bid to win the title. The town is competing against Bradford, County Durham and Southampton to be named City of Culture on 26 May. The panel will visit a youth centre, the Pontcysyllte aqueduct and Wrexham AFC, as the Hollywood star-owned club chase promotion to the Football League. UK Arts Minister Lord Parkinson said even a nomination would have already had an impact on Wrexham. Aerial show for City of Culture celebrations Wrexham 'so proud' to make City of Culture final Culture capital 2025 judges visit Bradford He said the competition was about "shining a spotlight on places and giving them the opportunity to tell their stories". 'Creating that legacy' "We've had 20 places bidding this time round so … [Read more...] about Wrexham: City of Culture judges visit as bid steps up