Top Scots ref says homophobia remains 'a chronic problem' after coming out
Lloyd Wilson has said homophobia is still a "chronic problem" in Scottish football - after the leading referee came out as gay at the age of 30.He came out in 2022, alongside fellow ref Craig Napier.
The decision meant they became the only openly gay figures in Scottish football since Justin Fashanu, who played for Airdrie and Hearts in the 1990s.
The 33-year-old, who refereed the Scottish Premiership clash between Dundee and Hearts at the weekend, told STV Sport he struggled with coming out amid fears a potential backlash would be bad for his career progression and his mental health.The category one official said he has had "magnificent" support from colleagues in the game.
But he said the hate he receives from fans in the stands and on social media is still a "big problem".He said: "Football is a passionate game – but there’s passion and there is abuse.
