Jake Daniels’ decision to come out as the UK’s only openly gay active male professional footballer has laid a “path many others will follow”, says former England striker Gary Lineker.
The Blackpool forward, 17, spoke of the “relief” he has felt in publicly revealing his sexuality on Monday.His announcement was praised by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, England captain Harry Kane and several charity groups.
“I think he will be massively accepted,” Lineker told BBC Sport.”Not just in his own dressing room but players he plays against. I think, overall, dressing rooms wouldn’t think about it. They will consider if you’re a good footballer or not. That’s all that matters.
“I’m so pleased as I think he is going down a path many others will follow and I think the game will be better for it. Once they see that the overwhelming majority of people will be accepting, others will follow suit.”‘Football is ready’ to accept gay players.
Why Daniels coming out is a watershed momentLineker believes Daniels’ announcement “shouldn’t be significant” and that football should have “passed this watershed moment a long time ago”.
Daniels has already responded to the prospect of homophobic abuse by saying that supporters can “shout what you want, it’s not going to make a difference”.
Campaign group Kick it Out congratulated Daniels for a “historic” announcement, adding: “We need to remember there is a young man at the heart of it. A young man who should not have to be defined by this one moment, or this one part of his identity.
Daniels, who made his professional debut this month, has said he has known he was gay since childhood and actively covered it up during school.
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Cavallo said he was “very proud” of Daniels’ bravery, adding: “It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that my story has helped guide Jake to be his true self.”
