51¹ú²úÊÓƵ

Gay footballers should be supported by the game's governing bodies to be open about their sexuality, according to a survey conducted by researchers. The poll of fans, players and referees produced by Staffordshire 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ found that most respondents believe that clubs and agents are unfairly pressuring gay players into silence. Ellis Cashmore, professor of culture, media and sport at Staffordshire, said: "We are advising football's leading organisations not simply to parrot more platitudes about their opposition to homophobia, but to show how they will encourage more openness."