Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has suggested that any player who decides to come out as being gay faces the possibility of being taunted by a crowd.
Last month, Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo was praised for posting a video on social media where he spoke about his sexuality.
Klopp has echoed the thoughts of the sport, saying that any player who opts to make that decision would not ‘face any problem’ in the dressing room.
However, Klopp was less positive about a reaction from opposition supporters, who he feels would use any opportunity to gain an advantage during a match.
Speaking at a press conference, Klopp told reporters: “Of course I think it should not be like this. It’s a big story but that’s actually the problem we have: that it is not normal (common), or that he has to make an announcement about it instead of living his private life and nobody being bothered about that.
“What I can tell you is that in 30 years in the industry, I never had a dressing room where it would have been a problem at all.
“The problem is not the inner circle, the problem is the wider thing: crowds in the stadium, they use things to try and give you some stick, and that will happen for sure. That’s very disappointing, but we all have to work on it, to make sure that this kind of ‘news’ is not necessary, that nobody has to make an announcement to open up.
“I saw his speech and he looks like a really strong, smart young man. I wish him really all the best.”
While other players have come out as gay in the past, Cavallo is currently the only active professional player to speak openly about his sexuality.
