Staffordshire University - Open goal

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 University 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."