Livingston boss David Martindale has hailed Scottish football’s response to Zander Murray becoming the first player to publicly come out as gay while playing in the men’s senior game.
The 30-year-old striker is currently in his fourth season at Lowland League side Gala Fairydean Rovers but had previously spent his playing career in West Lothian with Broxburn Athletic and Pumpherston.
Current Livi first team coach Neil Hastings was a team-mate at Pumphy and was Murray’s manager for a spell at Gala while assistant manager Marvin Bartley is part of the Scottish FA’s Equality and Diversity Board.
Speaking to the West Lothian Courier, Martindale, who had a spell as player and then assistant manager at Broxburn prior to joining the coaching staff at Livingston, commented: “It’s brilliant that he felt comfortable enough to come out but honestly, in the most positive way possible, I hope society can get to a point where it’s not really news.
“He must feel like a huge weight is lifted off his shoulders and there’s been a massive amount of support within Scottish football and society for him.
“I think Scottish football fans are really, really supportive when people need it and I think that’s one of the great things about our mentality as a collective.
“When you’re playing against each other, it’s emotional and passionate but when you really need them, they unite and they’re always there to support you and have your back.
“I think that’s what you’ve seen with the reaction from Zander coming out and it’s really pleasing to see that that’s been the case.”
He added: “It’s a completely different situation but I was open and honest about my past and you are worried and there’s trepidation because you don’t know how society is going to treat you. I imagine there were similar feelings with Zander but we’re a country that always tries to have each other’s backs.
“If Zander coming out makes anyone feel a wee bit more comfortable within themselves then brilliant, that’s all you can ask for. I’m sure it’s had a really positive impact.”
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