Soccer Star Speaks Out Against Anti-LGBTQ+ Abuse, Stands Up for Gay Brother

Top-flight goalie Aaron Ramsdale, who plays with Arsenal, came out in defense of LGBTQ+ people, saying he wants his gay brother to be able "to come to games without having to fear abuse," CNN reported.

In a revealing essay for The Players' Tribune, Ramsdale wrote about being the object of abuse from online trolls when he was first signed to Arsenal, the home stadium of which is Emirates Stadium in London.

That experience seems to have informed his current thinking of the anti-gay rhetoric that soccer fans are known to engage in.

"Over the years, I've probably bit my tongue a few too many times – both in dressing rooms and on social media – whenever I hear homophobic comments or stupid things being said," Ramsdale wrote. "And I think maybe my brother has done the same, thinking it would make my life easier."

"Well, all that ends today."

Ramsdale reflected on how his gay older brother, Oliver, "literally packed up everything and went to London to pursue a totally different life" when he decided that his true calling in life was to pursue a career in drama.

"But that's not the bravest thing he's done," Ramsdale wrote. "That's not why I admire him. My brother is gay, and he's lived his life in an open and authentic way since he went off to school. I'm so proud to say he's my brother."

Ramsdale went on to say that when it came to the insults hurled at him by trolls, "I could handle all the stuff that was said about me personally. But a few of the comments involved my family, and they totally crossed the line."

Added the goalie: "I can already hear the comments. 'Oh shut up, Ramsdale. Stick to football, lad.'"

"But this is about football," Ramsdale argued. "Football is for everyone. If you disagree, maybe you're the one who needs to shut up and look in the mirror."

Ramsdale contextualized his comments, making the essay about a general toxicity in soccer culture that includes the moment – only a few days after his wife suffered a miscarriage – that a Tottenham Hotspur fan assaulted him after Arsenal won 2-0 against them.

"I've been called everything you can imagine," Ramsdale wrote. "But it's never crossed the line like that. I remember when I got back to the dressing room, I couldn't even celebrate because I got pulled out to give a police statement."

"Whether it's on social media or at the grounds, it feels like a lot of people have lost all perspective," he said. "After I publish this letter, as sad as it is to say, I know that I will receive messages about my wife, and about my brother. Other players receive even worse messages, especially my Black teammates. For some reason, the social media companies don't seem to have any interest in stopping it."

"But for me, it's not about stopping it. It's not about the trolls. I know I can't reach them. For me, it's simply about standing up for what's right," Ramsdale continued. "It's about who I want to be as a person, and as a father," Ramsdale added, before making the announcement that he and his wife are expecting a child. From his perspective as a father-to-be, Ramsdale wrote, "I want this game I love to be a safe and welcoming place for everyone. I want my brother, Ollie – or anyone of any sexuality, race or religion – to come to games without having to fear abuse."

"And when we lift a trophy at the Emirates Stadium," the footballer added, "I want my brother there with me."

Check out some of the posts from the LGBTQ+ ally's Instagram.