More than 150 people and 100 organisations have signed a letter criticising ‘sensationalist’ media coverage that speculates about the sexuality of male football players.
The letter, organised by network and consultancy group Sports Media LGBT, argues media narratives about anonymous players who are ‘afraid to come out’ are ‘dangerous and speculative’.The letter used this piece as an example of harmful media coverageIt states: “If we are to help LGBTQ+ people in our sport who are struggling to arrive at their own sense of pride, while also avoid fuelling speculation about who is and isn’t LGBTQ+, then greater transparency and a more constructive approach is required from the media.” It draws on recent coverage of Premier League footballer.