Gay referee says football has to 'drive out hate'
FAA football referee from Plymouth is calling on clubs to do more to tackle homophobia and racism within the game.
Ryan Atkin, who has refereed both in the English Football League and National League, shared his experience of coming out as a gay man in the world of sport.
In August 2017, he became the first man refereeing in England's professional leagues to come out as openly gay.
He appeared on an episode of the LGBT Sport Podcast this week to urge football to do more to combat prejudice.
"Football must take positive steps and it must take it now to drive the hate out", he said.
"So many football clubs have top of the range security so people shouldn't be able to hide anymore.
"Just because you're a paying member of public attending a football game, it doesn't give you the right to abuse other people."
'Football must do more'
Mr Atkin said: "Is homophobia or racism taken seriously? It says it is but actually, what are the consequences?
"Football must do more, it has to take a hard line to it.
"Why do people think it's acceptable to come to a sporting event and use racist or homophobic chants?
"Protect your club, protect your players, protect your image - that for me is really key."
He added: "You want to be judged on your profession or your sport, not your sexuality.
"I'm a referee who happens to be gay."
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