Denise Welch has publicly criticised comments made by ex-footballer John Fashanu during an appearance on Good Morning Britain about the One Love armband at the Qatar World Cup.
The 60-year-old former Wimbledon forward sat down with hosts Susanna Reid and Ben Shepherd on today's showing of the ITV staple, when the topic of conversation landed on the controversy surrounding the famous mark of inclusion.
It comes just days after FIFA threatened international captains with penalties such as bookings should they choose to wear the armband during this Winter's coveted tournament - which promotes inclusion and diversity for the LGBT+ community.
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John began by speaking on how politics and football should be kept as separate entities, adding that he is 'very disappointed' that the One Love armband has merged into football.
During the interview, John said: "One Love armband - I mean what has that got to do with football? How did that merge into the world of football? You know, this is what we're saying from the beginning.
"Politics and football, we try to keep them away from each other, because if politics goes into football - which is what is happening - the politics go up, and up, and up, and eventually they will win. So I'm just very disappointed."
John was then cut off by Susanna, who questioned: "So you don't think that the FAs should have even threatened to wear these in the first place?" before he retorted: "I don't think they should even have threatened, because I just don't think it's got anything to do with football."
He continued: "Well, we've said it time and time again, if they are going to award Qatar the opportunity - this wonderful opportunity - for football of course, you would like to think that everybody will adhere to the rules and regulations of the country. Simple."
When asked if he thought it was culturally inappropriate to be making a protest about homophobia, John remarked: "No, I think that whatever the rules and regulations are of that country - whatever they might be - adhere to them. Some of them might be good, some of them might be bad but respect the country.
"And say okay that's fine, I can't do this, I can't do that...that's fine."
And after hearing John's take on the ongoing situation in Qatar, Denise was rapid to criticise the former footballer - especially with how homophobia affected his own personal life. In a post uploaded to Twitter, Denise, penned: "I am horrified at these remarks by John Fashanu!!! His own brother killed himself because of issues around being gay and unaccepted!!"
And many were quick to agree with the Loose Women panellist - taking to her replies to send messages of disappointment in the former footballer. One wrote: "YES DENISE SPEAK THE TRUTH !!" while another, added: "We should not have the world there!"
A multitude of others however agreed with John and his statement, with a number of comments disagreeing with Denise on her Tweet. One said: "You’re wrong on this one I’m afraid. When people visit a country you’re not exempt from the laws of the land just because you don’t agree with them. This is the same in EVERY country and applies to everyone."
Another, added: "I agree with Fashanu, it’s their country their laws. If everyone felt so strongly they should have appealed the result 12 years ago," while a third, commented: "He is right!"
John's brother, Justin Fashanu, took his own life in 1998, eight years after revealing his homosexuality to the general public. He was the first professional footballer to ever come out as openly gay.
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