Homophobic fans don't realise hurt they cause

Scotland's first openly gay player on how attitudes in the stands still need to change

-  JON BRADY

SCOTLAND'S first openly gay professional footballer has called on fans to stamp out homophobia in the stands and online.

Zander Murray, who plays for League 2 side Bonnyrigg Rose, said there has been a "huge shift" in attitudes towards LGBT people among players, club staff and officials in recent years.

But he revealed that largely older fans and online trolls continue to dole out venomous abuse.

The 31-year-old fears budding footballers struggling with their sexuality could be driven out of the game.

The striker, who came out last September, has been investigating homophobia in Scottish football for a BBC documentary.

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.