In the latest example of homophobia in the terraces, Everton and Kick It Out (football’s equality and inclusion organisation) are currently looking into reports of homophobic chanting at a recent game against Chelsea.

A statement from Everton read “Both the club and Kick It Out have received reports of a homophobic chant being aimed at Chelsea’s fans by a small section of the home crowd. Homophobia has no place within our stadium, our club, our community or our game. The club strongly condemns such behaviour and is carrying out a thorough investigation which will include liaison with Merseyside Police.”

This also comes less than a week after the FA were informed of numerous allegations of homophobic chanting by West Ham fans during a separate match with Chelsea, where Chelsea fans were called “rent boys”.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there. Brighton have confirmed that two of their supporters were arrested for homophobic abuse. They shared “On a day when the club and Premier League celebrated equality and diversity, by supporting Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, it is with regret that we report the ejection and arrest of two away supporters.”

Graeme Souness on why there are no openly gay footballers in the Premier League

🗣"I came from a generation which was extremely homophobic. I went to the Brighton pride and learn't so much, it changed my attitude" pic.twitter.com/ysbBlZshJ7

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) December 8, 2019

With so many reports of homophobia in the stands, Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness shared why he thought there were no openly gay football players in the Premier League during the Super Sunday TV show.

“I think football, the PFA, Premier League have to look at themselves. You ask the question, ‘Why has no one in the Premier League ever came out?’ I think football has not created an environment where anyone would ever feel comfortable and confident about saying, ‘Look, I am gay.”

He continued, “There must be gay players and bisexual players playing in the Premier League. There has to be. But no one’s felt comfortable enough to come out and say, ‘This is me’.”