Philip Schofield, 57, praised the brave young footballer Jake Daniels for coming out as gay on Monday (May 16).
Jake, 17, made the decision to open up about his experience after explaining he didn’t want to hide his true self.
Phillip spoke about how he wished he had the same “eloquence” as Jake, being so young.
The footballer said that he knew from a young age that he was gay, but kept it to himself and tried to hide it from his friends at school.
Phil and Holly Willoughby spoke on Tuesday’s (May 17) instalment on This Morning where they discussed how “toxic” the football industry can be at times.
(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Phil said: “What’s important now, and this may be very naive, is that I think he will have an amazing amount of support, help and care within his own community; you’re seeing tweets from other footballers, amazing.
“But I think it’s time to say, look at your sport, look at the beauty of your sport and your players supporting them, maybe this is the time to say right, let’s not go for him on the pitch.”
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Wyl)
Phil spoke to The Sun on Sunday and discussed coming out at 57.
He said: “I admit I was perhaps a bit naive. But when we got married it was a joyous time and it wasn’t a consideration in my head. I was so, so happy when we had the girls and then bringing them up.”
He married Stephanie Lowe in 1993, and the couple had two daughters together, Ruby and Molly – the couple remained together for nearly 30 years until they separated when Phil decided it was time to come out.
The Blackpool football pro is the first professional to come out as gay to the public since Justin Fashanu in 1990.
He has said that he feels so much “relief” for revealing his sexuality.
He has also been praised by Boris Johnson, England’s Captain Harry Kane and Prince William.
Speaking on The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Twitter account, Prince William said: “Football should be a game for everyone.
“What Jake has done takes courage and will hopefully help break down barriers that have no place in our society.
“I hope his decision to speak openly gives others the confidence to do the same. W.”
Harry Kane said Daniels is owed “credit” and believes that football should be “welcoming for everyone.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
