Prejudice and discrimination makes people feel frustrated, depressed, alone, angry, fear of society, hurt and even suicidal. When someone is being discriminated in sport they may wish not to play anymore, so that they do not need to face these circumstances again or they may have trouble focusing on the game and making good decisions. The abuse associated with sexism and homophobia affects everybody in team, not just homosexuals and women.

People can be discriminated without other people really understanding that they have mistreated somebody. It can happen when they are using homophobic language without thinking that it may hurt somebody.

Footballer Adam McCabe said in his interview that he felt it difficult to come out as gay because he was not sure how his teammates and coach would react, especially when he heard his coach using homophobic language about other team during pep talk. Furthermore, his teammates were joking around about the staff member who was gay and it was even more damaging than his coach´s homophobic pep talk. Even if they are not really thinking what they are saying it affects athletes who are closeted. It can be very damaging and make people stay closeted and keep their secret even more

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How to prevent discrimination?                                                             

More referees and players should help to promote inclusion and speak out against discrimination. Sport clubs and associations should make sure that trainers know how to react when someone comes out as gay and how to solve the situation when someone is being treated unfairly.

For example, The Swiss Football Association has integrated mandatory homosexual awareness courses in the training curriculum for coaches. These courses teach trainers how to react in a constructive way to players or other members when they are coming out. They will also know how to intervene when verbal or physical harassment takes place against homosexual footballers. This action will help coaches and players to be more open-minded and it is very important to show support towards people who are being discriminated and take actions of those who abuse somebody.

Sport should be safe and inclusive for everyone, regarding of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Sport associations should make sure everyone has a chance to get involved in sport, regardless of their age, gender, reassignment, sexual orientation, race, nationality, religion or belief, ability or disability. They should encourage and increase the involvement of groups at all levels by recognizing that inequalities exist and taking action addressing them.

Sources:

– Newsmavens

– Sky Sports

– TheFA