Citation

Cleland J. Int. Rev. Sociol. Sport 2018; 53(4): 411-423.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, International Sociology of Sport Association, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1012690216663189

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Influenced by the industrial working classes in the nineteenth century, the emergence of regulated and professional association football (soccer) became a symbol of masculinity for millions of boys and men that subsequently became engrained in future generations of male fans. One particular element of this was heightened sexism and homophobia and was illustrated by the dreadful reaction by fans, the media, team mates and opposition players to the decision by Justin Fashanu to come out in 1990 during a period of high cultural homophobia. Since 1990, however, there has been a cultural shift occurring in professional football. This article focuses on reviewing the empirical research that has illustrated a more inclusive change in attitude amongst some players and fans (both those attending games in person and those who actively engage in football-related discussions via the internet) as well as within the print and online media.

Language: en