Scotland's first openly gay professional footballer was targeted with vile abuse on Twitter just days before he released a documentary aiming at tackling homophobia in the game.
Zander Murray, who plays for League 2 side Bonnyrigg Rose FC, has been investigating homophobia in Scottish football for a new BBC documentary, which aired on Monday.
The 31-year-old has previously spoken about how largely older fans and online trolls continue to dole out discriminatory abuse. He fears budding footballers struggling with their sexuality could be driven out of the game as a result.
And just hours before 'Disclosure - OUT ON THE PITCH' aired on BBC One, the striker, who came out in September, revealed shocking abuse he was sent on Twitter.
Zander posted a clapping hands emoji in response to a Tweet about a disabled football fan who "made some special memories" when he was a mascot at the Livingston V Rangers game last night.
A faceless social media troll, who used the handle @lushferdy1, replied: "Also you only play football to look at guys in the changing room."
Zander said in response: "Fully expect some homophobic abuse or hate for bringing out a documentary trying to help people and our game. But to comment under this post!? Horrendous, get a grip."
Zander's response has since been liked over 700 times as messages of support flooded in.
One person said: "Unfortunately, some individuals simply can't help themselves. But don't let the faceless critics & bigots get you down Zander. Keep on being your authentic self."
Another said: "Having just been watched the BBC Scotland Disclosure documentary on iPlayer, thank you for striving to make the difference your strength will bring down the walls in professional football, enough is enough and it's time for change in the beautiful game!"
Labour councillor for Glasgow’s Garscadden/Scotstounhill ward, Eva Murray added: "Solidarity Zander - keep persisting."
Last week we told how Zander was calling on fans to stamp out homophobia in the stands and online.
Speaking to the Record, Zander said: "I feel there's been a huge shift from 20 years ago, a huge amount of work among players and coaching staff, to the point I don't expect homophobic slurs from anyone like that. There is still so much work to be done with the fans. You see it online, and it's still in the stands."
He added: "Online, on Twitter, it hasn't been pleasant, and when playing it's certainly happened. Coming out created a lot of public attention that can be quite tough. Getting insult after insult...we all have good days and bad days."
Zander is the first openly gay player in Scottish professional football since Justin Fashanu, who played for Airdrie and Hearts in the early 90s.
His decision to reveal his sexuality came months after Scottish referees Craig Napier and Lloyd Wilson also came out as gay.
Liz Ward, Director of Programmes at Stonewall, said: "In 2023, it is disgraceful to see abuse aimed at an athlete for having the courage to be open about his experiences as one of the UK’s few openly gay male footballers. Being an LGBTQ+ person in sport should not make you the target of hate and it’s vital that social media companies do more to tackle online abuse on their platforms.
"We stand in solidarity with Zander who is one of Stonewall’s Sports Champions and a role model for LGBTQ+ young people in Scotland and beyond. We will continue to fight for a world where LGBTQ+ people in sport are free to thrive as themselves, both on and off the pitch."
A spokesperson for the Scottish FA said: "We stand with Zander Murray and support him fully as he stands up against homophobia and all forms of abuse in the game."
Zander Murray declined to comment further when contacted by the Record.
Police Scotland were approached for comment.
Disclosure - OUT ON THE PITCH presented by Zander Murray is available on BBC iPlayer.
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