Didn't know Nigel Owens, the ref for the world cup final was gay, openly gay at that. Unbelievable how far ahead of Football, Rugby is. Brilliant example of the best person for the job, doing the job regardless of who they share their bed with. It really shouldn't hold the stigma that it does in football.
Undoubtedly the best ref in the world. And the reason you didn't know it is, it's hardly mentioned! That's the way it should be. I detest articles like the one in the Sun or Star or other rag this week: "TWO PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALLERS ARE READY TO COME OUT AS GAY" Who gives a ****.
Completely agree mate. If people stop making a big deal about homosexuality it will cease to be a big deal. I cringed when Tom Daley came out to fanfare in the press/online and a weepy viral video. Just be gay and do your job, like Nigel.
Quite right. Not to mention, those who have homophobic tendency are only hardened when they see people being treated as heroes and celebrities for coming out as gay. They're just normal people, when everyone acts as such then the taboo will all but die out. Sorry mate, don't really understand your post?
I see. But would the flak be so intense if it wasn't for newspapers writing celebratory headlines such as the one above? If people who fully support equal rights etc make a big deal out of someone being gay, then those who don't are going to do the same.
Not sure that would come into it mate tbh. You know as well as I do there`s no shortage of morons in the stands. No doubt a shout of "get up yer git soft ****ter" would reduce large numbers of the crowd completely helpless with mirth. They`re not going to miss opportunities like that. Absolute stupidity? Of course, but when did that ever stop them?
Personally if a player is so mentally fragile that a jeer like that upsets them then I doubt they'd ever make it to top level football. Players get abused for all manner of things on the field of play.
Not sure how you can bring that into the argument mate. Black players seem particularly sensitive even to the point where laws are introduced.
Rugby is always used as a yardstick in sports for how refs should be or how players should behave etc... That's all fine and dandy if it wasn't the most ****ing boring sport in the world. Rugby fans also some of the most boring bastards I've ever come across, think it's funny to drink a pint of piss. Truth is a lot of them come from very privileged backgrounds anyway, football is by far a more working class sport and even worse in poorer countries. It should be treated as such and people should stop expecting players to not get angry when things go against them. Homophobia doesn't exist in football in this country like the press would have you believe, not even close.
South African rugby players come from nothing mate. Aussie country lads go on to play league and union at international level and they're about as rough and working class as it comes. Respect can be taught to anyone.
My lad was at Biggleswade Rugby Club from when he was about 5. There was nowt privileged at that club or most of the other clubs we went to. Just a bunch of dedicate country bumpkins who loved the game. And 99% of the time not a peep of dissension or abuse from the sidelines. Any time it happened whoever gave it large was put down big time!
I'm not trying to say it can't mate but it's a bit to idealistic when people suggest Rugby sets the bar for professionalism in sport. As somebody who really can't stand Rugby on any level, I can't stand the snipes the egg chasers aim at football as a sport and at spectators in their weak attempts at one upmanship. If Collina was gay football fans would never use that as leverage to suggest they're better than fans of another sport. Rugby fans do and its unfounded ****e. Racism and homophobia is nothing to do with sport.
Seem to recall you using the word ****ters in a derogatory way in the debate we were having the other night, not sure you're as open minded as you think. I don't like rugby especially but there are several things about the way the game is handled on the pitch that are great. I love the fact you can hear what the ref is saying and how the players are respectful to them. If you could hear what the refs and players say in football you'd never be able to let kids watch it.
