Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale takes stand in opposition to homophobic abuse: Football must be welcoming for everybody

By India Today Sports Desk: Aaron Ramsdale, the Arsenal goalkeeper, has taken a daring stance in opposition to homophobia in soccer. The 25-year-old declared that he’ll now not stay silent when confronted with homophobic feedback in dressing rooms or on social media, including that he’s motivated to make soccer a welcoming area for everybody.

Ramsdale’s choice to talk out comes at a time when soccer is grappling with problems with discrimination and abuse. In July, a Fulham fan was banned from soccer for 3 years for homophobic chanting, an incident that additionally led to Wolves being fined 100,000 kilos because of the involvement of numerous their supporters.

The Arsenal goalkeeper’s dedication to inclusivity extends past phrases. In an article for The Players’ Tribune, he recounted an incident the place he was bodily assaulted by a Tottenham fan on the north London derby at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier this 12 months. The fan was subsequently banned from soccer matches for 4 years. Despite the assault, Ramsdale, whose brother is homosexual, expressed sympathy for the person, believing that the particular person may not have acted in such a fashion had they recognized concerning the private turmoil he was experiencing on the time.

“I want this game I love to be a safe and welcoming place for everyone,” mentioned Ramsdale. “I want my brother, Ollie – or anyone of any sexuality, race or religion – to come to games without having to fear abuse. Over the years, I’ve probably bit my tongue a few too many times whenever I hear homophobic comments or stupid things being said. I think maybe my brother has done the same, thinking it would make my life easier. All that ends today.”

Just days earlier than the match, Ramsdale’s spouse had suffered a miscarriage throughout a six-hour flight again to London from a post-World Cup vacation. The ache of that have, he mentioned, was indescribable. Through sharing his story, Ramsdale hopes to let others going by way of related experiences know that they aren’t alone.

“There’s really no way that I can describe the pain of that six-hour flight back to London, even now,” he mentioned. “I just want people out there to know that they’re not alone if they’re going through it themselves.” He added: “The last few years especially, you see so much negativity and toxicity in football. Whether it’s on social media or at the grounds, it feels like a lot of people have lost all perspective.”

In the midst of those private {and professional} challenges, Ramsdale discovered assist in Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta. Even because the membership was within the throes of a title race, Arteta provided Ramsdale day off to deal with his private loss. Ramsdale praised Arteta for going “above and beyond” to make sure the well-being of him and his household, embodying, in his view, the true qualities of a supervisor.

“Even in the middle of the title race, with so much pressure on the club, he asked me if I needed some time off to deal with everything,” he mentioned. “Mikel went above and beyond to make sure me and my family were OK. For me, that’s a manager.”