Gay referee soccer

Football referee Igor Benevenuto has claimed that a large number of players identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Back in July, the Brazilian sports official made history as the first openly gay FIFA-ranked referee.

Jorge José Emiliano dos Santos (19 March – 21 January ) also known by his nickname, Margarida (meaning Daisy, in English) was a Brazilian football referee, known for his flamboyant style. He is recognized as an iconic figure in Brazilian football and was one of the first openly gay referees in Brazil. Almost 20 years later, it was big news in the soccer world when FIFA-ranked Brazilian referee Igor Benevenuto came out publicly as gay in the months before the World Cup in Qatar, where.

One of Scotland’s top soccer referees says he “wouldn’t change a thing” two years after publicly coming out as gay, even though the men’s side of the sport has a “chronic” problem with. Former Premier League referee David Coote has revealed he is gay, and claimed a lifelong struggle to hide his sexuality contributed to the behaviour which saw him sacked from his role. Whereas being an out LGBTQ sports player is challenging, being an out referee or umpire could be considered doubly difficult.

Not only must the referee command the respect of the team players and their fans in the sport in all of the decisions they make, they must also maintain a sense of impartiality, avoid confrontation, and remain silent throughout. The latter can be very challenging when faced with a disappointing response to their call or the taunts and jeers of all concerned.

Though not surveyed, you can imagine this number would be greater if the question referred to the sexual orientation of the referee or umpire in the sport. Hence the inclination for all who participate in professional sports to remain in the closet. Did you know that the first woman to be appointed as a fully-accredited referee in the National Basketball Association, Violet Palmer , is also a lesbian?

In , the U. Tennis Association appointed its first out gay Chief Umpire for the U. Tennis Open, Bruce Littrell. The notable transgender individuals on the list are volleyball referee Stephanie Shostak and the world's first transgender football referee Lucy Clark. The group of LGBTQ professionals identified below serve as role models for them and others considering officiating as a career path.

gay referee rugby

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