Scotland’s only gay footballer condemns World Cup ambassador for ‘hurtful’ homophobic comments – Daily Mail

The first openly gay Scottish footballer has condemned comments by a Qatar World Cup ambassador branding homosexuality ‘damage of the mind’.

Gala Fairydean Rovers striker Zander Murray decided to go public on his sexuality with an announcement on the Lowland League side’s website back in September.

Compelled to speak out after accepting a role as a sports champion for lobby group Stonewall, the 31-year-old says he was ‘hurt and upset’ by remarks from former Qatar international Khalid Salman, and has called on others to speak out on the issue in the hope it might apply pressure on the Gulf state.

Homosexuality is illegal in the Islamic nation, resulting in jail terms of up to seven years, while widespread criticism has also focused on the desert nation’s treatment of migrant workers and women.

‘I am now an openly gay footballer,’ Murray told Sportsmail. ‘And, of course, you feel hurt and upset by comments like that.

‘Since I went public, the reaction has been so positive from the across the UK. That’s why, when I heard those comments, I felt deeply hurt by them.

‘I can’t change who I am and the laws in Qatar are directly attacking people like me.

‘For years, I have tried to be someone else and pretend I am not gay and it created havoc with my life. Now I am being my true organic self, I can’t fail to be hurt by what’s being said there.’

Abdullah Al Nasari, Head of Security for the World Cup, has also issued a reminder of Qatar’s hardline stance on the issue.

‘If you want to express your views on the LGBT cause, do so in a society where it will be accepted. Do not come and insult an entire society,’ he said. ‘We will not change the religion for the 28 days.’

In response, Murray said: ‘There will be gay players in Qatar. They will have to pretend about who they are.

‘Some of them will have families there, some will have wives there, maybe some will have boyfriends. But there is no doubt there will be an LGBT player at this World Cup and he will have to hold everything in because there is no alternative.

‘I am truly hurt by the comments and I hope saying so can have a positive effect because this has become world news and a lot of footballers are speaking up.

‘The German midfielder Leon Goretzka made a great statement on it (saying it was ‘oppressive’).

‘Regrettably, there are not many people calling it out, but it deserves a backlash.’

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has appealed to competing nations to ‘let football take the stage’ and not to ‘allow football to be dragged into every ideological or political battle that exists’.

However, in response, England manager Gareth Southgate has said it is ‘highly unlikely’ he will comply, while the FA have announced that captain Harry Kane will wear a OneLove armband in Qatar. Giant banners declaring ‘Boycott Qatar 2022’ have been commonplace in European grounds for months.

Hopeful that the backlash might prompt a relaxation of laws which impose jail terms of up to seven years in prison for homosexuality, Murray added: ‘You must abide by the laws of the country you are in.

‘You can’t hold hands and you have to respect that regardless of your sexuality.

‘But I hope there will be a ripple effect from this event which will force the lawmakers in Qatar to assess their policies.

‘What a World Cup brings to any destination is a spotlight. There is huge scrutiny and intense publicity.

‘And as well as the policy on homosexuality, the approach to migrant workers and women has been highlighted.

‘If Qatar wants to be one of the top places to visit, then you have to hope those are areas they will give serious consideration for reform.’

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