Zander Murray, who is Scotland's first openly gay male footballer, was targeted by vile homophobic trolls mere hours before a documentary aiming to tackle homophobia in football was aired.
The Glasgow-born Bonnyrigg Rose star presented the BBC documentary which was broadcasted on Monday evening.
The 31-year-old League Two player has previously spoken about how he continues to receive vicious discriminatory attacks online and from older fans. He is now worried younger players who are struggling with their sexuality will be forced out of the beautiful game.
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The ex-Gala Fairydean Rovers forward quote tweeted a tweet regarding a disabled football fan who had the time of his life at the Livingston vs Rangers game last month.
An anonymous social media account with the name @lushferdy1 replied: "Also you only play football to look at guys in the changing room."
In response to the abuse Zander said: "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 became the first openly gay male player on Scottish professional football since Justin Fashanu turned out for Airdrie and Hearts in the 1990s.
The Glasgow man decided to come out publicly months after Craig Napier and Lloyd Wilson also came out as gay.
Liz Ward, Director of Programmes at Stonewall, told the Daily Record: "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."
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