Gay rights campaigners have urged
Paul Scholes to apologise after the Manchester United midfielder
allegedly made a homophobic remark during the Champions League
victory over Benfica.
The 31-year-old former England international is alleged to have
made the comment after receiving a yellow card from referee Frank
De Bleeckere in the 10th minute of last night's clash at the
Stadium of Light.
UEFA are waiting for reports from the match delegate and the
referee before they decide whether to address the complaints,
although they are unlikely to take action if the incident is not
reported. They expect the report on Thursday.
Peter Tatchell, of gay human rights group OutRage!, said: 'We urge
Paul to apologise and to express his opposition to
homophobia.
'No player, referee or fan should have to endure abuse about their
race or sexuality.
'There should be big fines and match suspensions for players,
managers and supporters who wilfully use anti-gay insults.
'Stewards should be ordered to identify fans who shout homophobic
abuse and the Football Association should secure the agreement of
the police to arrest and charge them.'
Tatchell called for Scholes to attend a training course on
homophobia if he is found to have made the remark, while also
urging the Football Association to tackle the problem in the
game.
The FA set up the `Football For All' scheme four years ago to make
the sport as accessible as possible, encompassing a number of
problem areas, including homophobia.
'The Football Association works very closely with a number of group
to stamp out inappropriate behaviour in the sport,' an FA
spokesperson said.
o.O gays ? 