Television cameras caught the moment when straight English cricket captain Joe Root reacted to what seemed like a gay slur from Shannon Gabriel, a member of the West Indies team.
Gabriel later received a warning from the umpires over the moment which resulted in footage showing Root replying: “Don’t use it as an insult. There’s nothing wrong with being gay.”
Afterwards, English cricket captain Root refused to elaborate on what took place. The matter has also been regarded as closed.
In Gabriels’ defence, Root said: “Sometimes things are said on the field but they should stay on the field. I think they can sometimes be caught in the moment and not always say what you want to say or think you’re saying.”
"Don't use it as an insult. There's nothing wrong with being gay."
Joe Root responds to sledging from Windies bowler Shannon Gabriel.
Full story: https://t.co/nRfSmWU5q6 pic.twitter.com/ghoDyGxUOi
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) February 12, 2019
Richard Pybus, Gabriel’s coach, said no complaints had been received from the opposite team but if something was reported that it would be addressed.
Pybus continued, “I think the fast bowlers are always going to try and impose themselves on the game. It’s always a proper tussle out there. I think it is pretty standard.” He continued, “I think we need to find out if there is anything behind the rumours and then we’ll address it.”
Over the last few years, there has been a greater emphasis on the need to tackle homophobia in sports, both on the pitch and from those watching.
In December, Premier League teams across the UK emblazoned their Twitter profiles with rainbow colours. Players also wore rainbow coloured laces in a bid to makes sports more welcoming and inclusive of LGBT+ fans and sportspeople.
In Ireland, artist Brian Teeling created t-shirts inspired by the Gay Bohs – the gay fans of the Bohemian Football Club. They double as a celebration and recognition of queer fans of the beautiful game while at the same time raising funds for worthy causes.
For Irish LGBT+ athletes, Sporting Pride, the home of Team Ireland, has been set up to provide a platform and resource for the LGBT+ community to get active and into sports from every level.
© 2019 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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