An LGBTQ+ football fan said they “can’t stop smiling” after a Blackpool player became the first professional in the men’s game to come out as gay in 30 years. Jake Daniels, 17, released a statement today saying he has always known he is gay and that he was ready to “come out and be myself”.
For Joe White, co-chair of Pride In Football, a network of UK LGBTQ+ fan groups, it was a big moment. Describing their feelings to PA, they said: “It’s just a lot of amazement, awe at Jake, and it’s just wonderful.
“I can’t stop smiling whenever we’re talking about it so I think that says it all.” Mx White said that when they were younger football was “not a welcoming place” for LGBTQ+ people.