English retired NBA player John Amaechi has criticised the football leaders in England for not creating an environment comfortable enough for players to be openly gay.
Football Association chairman Greg Clarke claimed last month that he would not advise those still playing to come out as gay due to the likelihood of abuse from fans.
Amaechi, who came out in America in 2007, rejected Clarke's suggestion while giving evidence to MPs in a Culture, Media and Sport Committee hearing on homophobia in sport.
"Fundamentally, it's about will," said Amaechi. "These people have access to all the resources they need. They could do it now. They just don't have the will to do it.
"There is always an undesirable and ignorant segment of society and you will find it on the field, in the stands and in boardrooms - I would say the percentages move up when you reach the boardroom. It is outrageous for these powerful men to suggest that those who look up to them for leadership are solely responsible.
"We would not accept that at a school or in business but we are led to believe fans are feral and somehow uncontrollable, while the tacit messages from leaders are not to blame. The lack of sanctions for sexist emails or homophobic behaviour, for example - that seeps down. These leaders are responsible for the tone they set, for allowing what they allow."
The late Justin Fashanu was the first and only openly-gay footballer in the UK during his playing days.
Danielle Joynson
