I once used disgusting anti-gay language, admits former Professional Football Association chair
Former Professional Footballers’ Association chairman Clarke Carlisle says he’s ashamed for previously using homophobic language.
The 34-year-old has taken part in a BBC Radio 5 Live special programme about homophobia in football to be broadcast tonight at 9pm.
Carlisle, who previously played for Leeds United and Queens Park Rangers, said: “I’ve used the language that now I would be really disgusted to hear.
“I used it really flippantly, maybe thinking it was banter.”
He added: “But it was only by awareness and interaction and actually understanding the effect and power of the words that I was using on someone who is homosexual that I got an understanding and started to address my base-level language use.
“That progressed to being able to be in a dressing room over the last three years of my career and actually being able to challenge others.”
Sue Ravenlaw, the Football Association’s head of equality, was also interview for the 5 Live special.
She said the FA had been making significant progress in tackling homophobia.
