2024-01-31 15:31:02
Thomas Hitzlsperger was the first prominent German professional to make his homosexuality public. Since then, no player has followed his example. In his opinion, this is not the fault of the clubs.
Hamburg.
Thomas Hitzlsperger has praised the commitment of football clubs against discrimination against homosexuals. After retiring, the former national player made it public ten years ago that he was homosexual.
A lot has happened since then, said the 41-year-old at the SpoBis congress in Hamburg. “The clubs have done a lot in the last few years,” said the former CEO of VfB Stuttgart. “I believe that the rainbow symbol should not be missing anywhere. There are clear commitments against discrimination and for diversity. Clubs and associations are really doing a lot.”
Nevertheless, since his move, there has not been a player in Germany who has spoken about his homosexuality. Hitzlsperger disagreed that football is not a “safe space”. “The players affected didn’t dare,” said the ex-professional. “Everyone has to make this very personal decision for themselves.”
If the players say they don’t feel safe, “then you shouldn’t always point the finger at the DFB and the clubs. They’re already doing a lot,” said Hitzlsperger. He himself never noticed any negative reactions. “I worked for a football club, for television. Nobody said: ‘We don’t want you,'” he continued. You have to “get out of the victim role”. If you say, “There is no safe space in Germany, then you should think again. So don’t blame the clubs.” (dpa)
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