Rylan Clark has tackled rampant homophobia in football with an inspiring new documentary which features England legends Rio Ferdinand and Jen Beattie.
The This Morning host, 35, presents Rylan: Homophobia, Football And Me, a look into the unfortunate presence of homophobia in the world’s favourite sport.
Drawing on his own experiences, Rylan candidly recalls difficult memories of growing up as a West Ham fan while being a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Rylan was a member of the Junior Hammers supporters club growing up, but quickly felt pushed out of the game as a result of homophobic attitudes.
Of this important project, Rylan said: ‘Growing up loving football and being a West Ham fan, I always assumed that I’d be able to go to games whenever I wanted as I got older.
Rylan Clark, 35, tackled the rampant homophobia in football with an inspiring new documentary which features Man United legend Rio Ferdinand and Jen Beattie (pictured)
Rylan: Homophobia, Football And Me, takes a look into the presence of homophobia in the world’s favourite sport (pictured Rylan and Rio)
Drawing on his own experiences, Rylan candidly recalls difficult memories of growing up as a West Ham fan while being a member of the LGBTQ+ community (pictured in December 2023)
He continued: ‘But as time moved on and as a gay man, I sometimes felt uncomfortable around spectators at games.
‘I’m not one to be easily offended but some of the language and insults that’re used on a daily basis by football crowds made going to games almost impossible, especially as I got more and more known and started having them directed at me.
‘This documentary aims to highlight that football is for everyone regardless of what you get up to in your private life.
‘I talk to fans, players, past and present, about how the beautiful game could be even prettier for everyone to enjoy, and how as fans we can change to help make players feel comfortable sharing their sexuality if they wish to do so.’
Manchester United star Rio said: ‘Discrimination in any form has no place in society and it has been confronting to hear what Rylan has had to endure as a gay man who simply wanted to go and support his local football team.
‘As a young man, I was guilty of flippantly using words and phrases that I recognise were completely wrong and it’s something I open up to Rylan about in the documentary.
He finished: ‘Contributing to the documentary and speaking to Rylan at length was an education in itself to gain an insight into his world.’
Rylan: Homophobia, Football and Me premieres on Feb 13 at 10.30pm on TNT Sports 1 and will be available to stream on discovery+
Rylan with Sevenoaks Town footballer Jahmal Howlett-Mundle who bravely came out as bisexual in 2021
Arsenal player Jen, 32, recently split from her Love Island star girlfriend Amber, 26, after 11 months of dating.
Sevenoaks Town player Jahmal Howlett-Mundle was also in the documentary after he bravely came out as bisexual in 2021.
Rylan is currently a Monday to Thursday rotating presenter on This Morning with Rochelle Humes and Josie Gibson.
He divorced ex-Metropolitan police detective Dan Neal in 2021 after six years of marriage, a period so traumatic he dropped to nine stone.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
