FA chairman Greg Clarke has revealed his personal shame at the continued presence of homophobia within English football, saying he can understand why gay players choose not to open up about their sexuality.
Clarke, who told MPs of his 'deep loathing' of homophobic abuse during a sitting with the Culture, Media and Sport select committee on Monday, admitted that his governing body still has plenty of work to do to eradicate the problem.
But he emphatically made clear his intentions to make football a 'safe space' for every element of the sport's fanbase.
'I would be amazed if we haven't got gay players in the Premier League,' Clarke told the House of Commons session.