Homosexuality in English football is sometimes said to be a taboo subject by both players and the media. As of 2012, there are no openly gay footballers in England's top four divisions. Some, such as Peter Clayton, who chairs the FA's "Homophobia in Football" working group have argued that clubs prevent players from "coming out" as footballers have an increasing commercial market value which may be damaged.
England has been largely liberal in its attitudes to homosexuality since it was legalized in 1967. There are many openly gay politicians and entertainers who remained elected and popular with little or no criticism or comment on their sexuality. However, football has always been distinctly lacking in openly gay men. Despite this, or perhaps because of this, rumours in the press, or joking between fans and players and even hostile homophobic abuse have been common within the game.
In 2008, ex-Premiership footballer Paul Elliot estimated that at least a dozen Premiership footballers were gay but were afraid to "come out" due to a perception that they would receive a negative reaction.
In a 2009 survey, most fans said they would like to see homophobia taken out of football, that the FA were not doing enough to tackle the issue and that they would be comfortable to see a player on their team come out of the closet.
Read more about Homosexuality In English Football: Women's Football
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