Homophobia still rife in English football as 75% of fans hear anti-gay chants

ENGLISH FOOTBALL: Thomas Hitzlsperger did not come out until he retired

Shock research has revealed a quarter of supporters would feel embarrassed if their favourite player came out of the closet.

The news is sure to worry scores of Premier League stars rumoured to be too scared to admit they are gay.

CHANTS: Three quarters of fans admit to hearing homophobic languages in the stands

Ex-Aston Villa, Everton and West Ham midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, 34, above, came out after retirement while Robbie Rogers, 29, announced he was gay after leaving Leeds United.

But there are no current Premier League players who have revealed they are gay.

Ruth Hunt, chief executive of gay rights charity Stonewall which carried out the research, said she was concerned by the findings.

She said: “The majority of people see homophobic chants and abuse as a problem and want to see sport more welcoming of lesbian, gay, bi and trans players and fans.

EXIT: Robbie Rogers did not announce his sexuality until after leaving Leeds

ASHAMED: A quarter of fans would feel embarrassed if their favourite player came out

"But there is a persistent minority who believe this sort of abuse is acceptable.

"These vocal few may be under the illusion that anti-LGBT is harmless but it makes people feel unsafe, unwelcome and unable to be themselves.”