Hector Bellerin, the former Arsenal and current Real Betis defender, has spoken out about how homophobia is forcing gay players to leave the sport because it's not a safe environment. The 31-year-old, known for his advocacy on social issues and equal rights, continues to push for change in football.
Bellerin addressed the lack of openly gay players in men's football during an appearance on Catalan talk show Cara Al Show. "It's a question I get asked a lot and I haven't met anyone," he stated, as reported by RAC1. He shared insights from an anthropologist, noting, "players who don’t consider themselves heterosexual are moving up the age groups and leaving every year because they are not safe spaces."
Reflecting on the broader issues within football, Bellerin commented, "Football has always been a reflection of society. The tense atmosphere that is felt and the impunity for certain behaviours have led to this type of behaviour being exhibited inside stadiums." This sentiment comes amid other incidents, such as anti-Muslim chants heard during a Spain vs. Egypt friendly, despite Spain's player Lamine Yamal being Muslim.
The former Barcelona defender also criticized football's muted response to the situation in Palestine, drawing a parallel with the reaction to the invasion of Ukraine. "In football, many things were done with the war in Ukraine, with flags on the scoreboards and others, and here in Spain with the genocide in Palestine, only Athletic did something when it was impossible not to take a position," Bellerin remarked. He highlighted that Athletic Club was the only team to organize a match supporting aid for Gaza earlier this season.
