Robbie Rogers Cleared To Return To Football

Openly gay footballer Robbie Rogers has been cleared to return to play football in America.

Rogers will play for Los Angeles Galaxy; David Beckham’s former team. The club has confirmed they have received Rogers’ international transfer certificate which now clears his way to play for Los Angeles Galaxy – he will become the first openly gay Major League Soccer player when he makes he debut in America.

Robbie Rogers played for Leeds United until earlier this year when he retired from football following his decision to come out as gay. There is something of a growing controversy in UK football surrounding the fact that there are no openly gay professional footballers in the major clubs.

While speculation surrounding the sexual orientation of some players continues – mostly on gossip websites/forums – the reason for the absence of gay players is mostly blamed on the supposed reaction from fans. It has been argued that football fans – be they away or home supporters – would not accept an openly gay footballer and would taunt them with homophobic abuse.

In recent years a number of high profile sports-persons have come out as gay such as Gareth Thomas and Steven Davies.