Gary Lineker: I know two gay Premier League stars, they’ve been close to coming out – Marca English
Former Barcelona striker Gary Lineker has revealed that he knows two Premier League stars who are gay. The current TV host has urged the two men to come out during the 2022 World Cup in order to send a message to Qatar.
It has to be noted that homosexuality in Qatar is a crime that could be punished with a sentence of up to seven years in jail.
“It would be great if one or two of them came out during the World Cup. It would be amazing,” Lineker told The Mirror.
“I know for a fact that some have been very close and contemplated it. There’s a couple I know, but obviously it’s not for me to say who they are.”
Fear of the unknown
Lineker claimed that fear is one of the reasons why players hesitate to open up about their sexuality.
“Fear. Fear of the unknown, I imagine,” he added.
“Perhaps they are worried about what their teammates might think, although they probably already know. I mean, it seems insane that it should even be a thing.
“People say, ‘Yeah, but the crowds.’ And I say, ‘Well the crowds chant anyway’. Any kind of abuse you take is a compliment from the opposing fans.
“You’re always going to get a few idiots. But it’s easy for me to say because I’m not in that position.”
Living a lie
The former England international is aware that coming out is not easy, but he insisted that living through it is harmful enough for the gay players’ mental state.
“I was hoping, because there are lots, obviously, lots of players that are having to live a lie,” Lineker noted.
“I’m sure it’s very difficult. I always thought it’s so difficult to know unless you’re in that circumstance and you’re living through how that is.
“I think what we’ve seen so far is that the feedback and the response, it will be incredibly positive.”