I agree that its worrying that sportsmen - and maybe sportswomen - dont feel they can come out as gay, but its a bit insulting to suggest that diving, feigning injuries etc is 'gay'. That might be what a schoolboy would call it, but are you really saying that homosexuals by and large are weak, limp-wristed, perfumed etc? Getting rid of homophobia isn't just about 'tolerating' gay people, but also getting rid of outdated stereotypes. Roll on the first openly gay World Boxing Champion...
The FA have only recently managed to rid the game of racism and as we saw when England last played Spain in Madrid - or indeed in any given week in La Liga or Serie A - this is not something that has caught on internationally. I think we are a very long way away from seeing an environment in which a high profile footballer would feel comfortable to come out. Maybe it will take an FA backed initiative to kick homophobia out of football. Personally i can\'t see it happening.
Beckham coupled with Rooney? Oh, please. Ronaldo and Ljungberg, now that really would be worth seeing.
Ok, perhaps this space is for more enlightened comments, sorry.
Good article though btw.