Players’ boss wants more done to help gay footballers

Stephen McGuinness, secretary of the Players’ Football Association of Ireland (PFAI), is adamant that serious barriers have to be broken down to facilitate players coming out as gay.

Though the decision by the German former English Premier League player Thomas Hitzlsperger to yesterday reveal his sexuality was applauded by McGuinness, he admitted the timing was a disappointment.

The 31-year-old quit the game four months ago due to persistent injuries, insisting he preferred to wait until now for the announcement due to the subject being ‘taboo’ in the dressing room.