A Glasgow footballer is the first male senior player in Scotland to come out as gay.
Zander Murray who plays for Lowland League side Gala Fairyden Rovers has oppened up on his sexuality after being backed by his teammates. The 30-year-old spent time at Airdrie and Motherwell during his younger playing days
The Glasgow-based striker says he wants to help other players who are struggling about opening up after knowing for years he was ‘different’ to pals. His announcement follows Scottish referees Craig Napier and Lloyd Wilson who came out in June this year.
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Murray who holds the club record for goals in a season, decided to initially come out by posting on Facebook. He admitted that hiding who he was started to play “havoc with his whole life”.
In an official interview with the Club’s website Zander said: “Firstly it feels like the weight of the world is now off my shoulders.
“The reason I have decided to this now is twofold firstly I was on holiday recently at a pride event and I have always been that closeted never to go to these things but I loved it.
“The vibe was brilliant and everyone was just being free and happy and it was great to just be me.
“I also want to help other players who are struggling with this as it isn’t easy for men, especially footballers to deal with.”
Murray has told how he now wants to focus on supporting other players after noticing a lack of platforms for young gay male footballers.
He added; “Before coming out you think people will turn against you and you think the worst.
“It’s been lovely how much support I have had.
“I have done lots of research and I always keep an eye on media outlets to see if there are any platforms for young gay male footballers for support but there are none.
“I would really like to look into and see what support can be given to other players to inspire them.
“In recent years Jake Daniels has come out and then Craig Napier and Lloyd Wilson who are both referees have done the same.
“Of course there are gay footballers in our game and I have had lots of players get in touch saying they have read my post and they can’t believe how strong I am by doing this.”
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