There’s no escaping the fact that Jake Daniels’ brave decision to become the first active men’s footballer in England to come out as gay since Justin Fashnu in 1990 is massive. It shouldn’t be in 2022, but it is. The 17 year-old revealed how the choice to be open about his sexuality will lead him to become more ‘free’ and ‘confident’.
And whilst you can’t deny that his announcement will change his life for the foreseeable future – if not forever – you can’t help but think about the wider implications for the men’s game. Not to mention society on the whole.
Despite experiencing its most important year to date, there’s no doubt that football has some way to go in regards to representing the women’s game fairly. Having said that though, we’ve seen far less issues with women’s football itself being a representative and accepting space for people from all walks of life. It’s time for the men’s game to take note.
But, what will the news actually mean in the immediate future?
Widespread support
The football world was quick to show its support for the young Blackpool forward who released an official statement via the club last week. Clubs and key figures within the game came out with messages of solidarity in what will be remembered as a landmark day in sport – and more importantly – society.
Many will see it as a surprise that someone so young would take a stand on an issue that has marred football long before he was even born. At 17 though, Jake Daniels represents a generation that has been vocal in its rejection towards homophobia for quite some time. While football has ambled behind a wider society that has been keen to make progressive strides, the likes of Jake Daniels and Josh Cavallo have rightly said ‘enough is enough’.
His message was so powerful. ‘Now is the right time to do it’ he said in a statement, and while he might have been referring to his story alone, you can’t help but give those words a broader sense of significance.
Along with the news being received with overwhelming love, support and solidarity, there’s an even greater feeling of this being long overdue.
History can’t repeat itself
If this isn’t the most historic announcement in British football ever, then it definitely is from the last 32 years. Back in 1990, Justin Fashnu became the first men’s player to reveal his sexuality, and although he was ready to give his truth at a pivotal moment in his career. Football wasn’t ready to hear it. The younger Fashnu sibling sadly spoke of his plight from First Division starlet to forgotten man in the Third Division shortly after coming out. He explained that while he was convinced his fall from grace was in some part down to opening up about his sexuality, he sadly alluded to it being “the nature of the business”
Well, no more.
Former Watford captain Troy Deeney spoke candidly back in 2020 about his belief that there is probably one gay or bisexual player in every team. His admission sent shockwaves at the time. Not because of the logic behind the statement, but because it highlighted an unfortunate reality that there are hundreds of men (if not more) that feel like they wouldn’t be accepted for being their true selves.
It doesn’t matter whether or not the small-minded bigots that masquerade as fans are ready for change – because society is. And with Josh Cavallo and Jake Daniels sharing their truth, men’s football is finally ready to take a long-awaited leap forward.
The beginning of the story, not the end
For anyone that thinks Jake Daniels coming out will immediately eradicate homophobia in our game, you’re sadly mistaken. Although outnumbered, the words of trolls and bigots often ring loudest. And ultimately, whilst reassuring, kind messages from fans and peers need to coincide with actions by law-makers and governing bodies for real change to be felt.
How seriously can we take a tweet of support from the footballing authorities, when this winter’s World Cup takes place in a country where homosexuality is still classed as a criminal offence?
We know what the answer to that question is.
What we don’t know is what the future Jake Daniels looks like. One thing’s for sure though – the football community needs to protect the Blackpool starlet. As huge as the news is, Daniels shouldn’t have to bear the weight of the world on his shoulders simply for being himself.
So whether you’re a football fan or not, part of the LGBT+ community or not. It’s everyone’s responsibility to instigate change. This is just the start.
