Ipswich Town thanks footballer Jake Daniels for coming out as gay
Blackpool’s Jake Daniels has become the UK’s first currently active male professional footballer to come out as gay.
Ipswich F.C. and their LGBTQ+ supporters’ group, Rainbow Tractors, have thanked Jake Daniels for his decision to come out to the country, saying the decision was “really inspirational” and will change a lot of people’s lives – both on and off the pitch.
The Blackpool forward is the first British man in the professional game to come out publicly since Justin Fashanu in 1990.
Francine Flisher, head of Rainbow Tractors, was “delighted that Daniels felt comfortable enough to do that” and argued that even though he is not a Town player the impact will be felt at the club, giving others “the confidence to feel that they can be themselves”.
“Everyone is really supportive”
Homophobia in the sport is still a real problem and Rainbow Tractors and Ipswich F.C. have been working to tackle this internally, “dealing with people on social media” and taking action “with regards to their ability to attend games”.
She says, “I know the players are on board and definitely behind everything the club is doing as well”.