Former Arsenal and current Real Betis right-back Hector Bellerin says homophobia is taking players away from the game. Bellerin, 31, has always been outspoken about social issues and equal rights, and continues to advocate for change in football.
One topic he has not been afraid to talk about is the lack of openly gay players in the men’s game, and Bellerin was asked about it again during an appearance on a Catalan talk show.
“It’s a question I get asked a lot, but I’ve never met anyone,” he explained on the Kara Al Show, reported by RAC1.
“I once spoke to an anthropologist who said that players who don’t identify as straight are moving up in age groups every year because it’s not a safe space,” he continued.
“Soccer has the same problems as society” – Bellerin
Anti-Muslim chants were also heard during the recent friendly match between Spain and Egypt at the RCDE Stadium. This is despite the fact that Spain’s star player Lamine Yamal is himself a Muslim.
“Football has always been a reflection of society. The tense atmosphere and the impunity of certain acts contribute to the manifestation of this type of behavior inside stadiums,” Bellerin said.
Bellerin criticizes comparison between Ukraine and Palestine
The former Barcelona defender also compared the massacre in Palestine to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and criticized the football world’s lack of response.
“In football, a lot was done during the Ukraine war, with flags on the scoreboard, but here in Spain there was a Palestinian massacre and Athletic were the only ones who did something in a situation where it was impossible not to take a position,” Bellerin reflected.
Earlier this season, Athletic Club hosted a match between the Basque national team and the Palestinian national team, with all proceeds going to support those suffering in Gaza.
