Arsenal and England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is ready to begin fighting homophobia in support of his brother, who is openly gay, as football faces an increasing problem.
Arsenal starAaron Ramsdalehas insisted he is ready to join the fight against homophobia after “biting his tongue” too many times.
TheEnglandinternational’s middle brother is gay, with Ramsdale having been sent homophobic abuse targeting him in the past. And the Gunners keeper believes he has kept quiet for too long on an issue that is plaguing the game.
The start of 2023 sawan explosion in incidents of homophobic chanting, with the FA now taking action against clubs whose fɑɴȿ are caught. Those fɑɴȿ are alsonow being prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Servicefor homophobic hate crimes.
And Ramsdale is now ready to help with the fight to rid football of its homophobia problem. He hailed his brother Oliver for his bravery and insisted that he will no longer stay silent against homophobic abuse.
“My brother is gay, and he’s lived his life in an open and authentic way since he went off to school. I’m so proud to say he’s my brother. I haven’t talked about it before, but with everything going on in football right now, I thought it was important to mention,” Ramsdale told thePlayers’ Tribune.
“Oliver is a lot like me. He’s a regular bloke. Loves football. Loves knocking about with his mates. Loves the Gunners. He’s proud of me, and I’m really proud of him. Over the years, I’ve probably bit my tongue a few too many times – both in dressing rooms and on social media – whenever I hear homophobic comments or stupid things being said.
“And I think maybe my brother has done the same, thinking it would make my life easier. Well, all that єɴԀs today. I can already hear the comments. ‘Oh shut up, Ramsdale. Stick to football, lad.’ But this is about football. Football is for everyone.
“If you disagree, maybe you’re the one who needs to shut up and look in the mirror. I want this game I love to be a safe and welcoming place for everyone. I want my brother, Ollie – or anyone of any sexuality, race or religion – to come to games without having to fear abuse.”
The Gay Gooners, Arsenal’s LGBT+ fan group have hailed the keeper. In a post onTwitter, they wrote: “We’re so very proud to haveAaron Ramsdaleas a true ally and for being so brave to talk about such important issues. We can’t wait to be cheering you on this season Aaron!”
Ramsdale’s intervention comes at a time when football’s LGBT+ fɑɴȿ were hit by the bodyblow by seeingJordan HєɴԀerson, previously the community’s biggest ally in the professional game, move to Saudi Arabia where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by the death penalty.
