MUCH-TRAVELLED manager Ian Holloway has told a new documentary he believes football remains homophobic.

Speaking to Channel 4’s Football’s Coming Out, which was launched yesterday on All 4 and 4’s YouTube channel, the former QPR, Leicester and Crystal Palace boss said he would encourage gay players to come out — and would “get rid” of any teammate who reacted negatively.

Holloway, who admitted major problems remain in the game, said: “Being brutally honesty, yeah, I do believe football is homophobic.”

The 58-year-old, who was most recently in charge at Grimsby, said he would be proud if a player under his management came out.

“It means the trust that I want to build is there,” he said. “I would talk to them before anyone else about what they are gaining from it and why they believe they need to do it. I would encourage them to be their authentic self.” 

Holloway added: “You have meetings, you talk about it [with the team]. I think it would be a total relief at the end of that. 

“Anybody in the group who was negative towards that I would get rid of, without a shadow of a doubt, because they are not a human being that I would want to put my name to.” 

Earlier this month Daniel Hutchings, an analyst at League Two side Stevenage, came out, but there are no openly gay players in the Football League, and the only openly gay player in any top-flight division in the world is Adelaide United’s Josh Cavallo.

Matt Morton, player-manager for Eastern Counties League Premier Division side Thetford Town, is the highest-ranked openly gay player in England. He said he is certain many others are yet to come out. 

“There are, 100 per cent, gay men in elite football in this country,” Morton said. “They just don’t feel comfortable yet to be themselves.

“There are a lot of negatives about social media [but] you can also spread positivity and acceptance. The acceptance has removed some of the fear. It has fully flipped on its head. The minority are the racists, are the homophobes and the sexists. 

“They are a lot quieter because they are cowards, and now they are massively outnumbered. It is the perfect time for people to be able to embrace who they are and live the life they want to live.” 

Leeds and England forward Patrick Bamford told the documentary he believed that if any teammate wanted to come out, they would be supported at Elland Road.

“I know in our changing room, I don’t think there would be too much of a reaction,” he said. “It shouldn’t be that big an issue in this day and age.

“I would let them know that if they have any worries or issues, if they need to talk to someone, then I am here to talk to — don’t think just because you’ve come out that anything has changed. We’re still mates. Nothing should change.”

Football’s Coming Out will launch on All 4 and Channel 4’s YouTube from January 25.