Former Man Utd defender Patrice Evra claims several West Ham players wanted gay team-mates kicked out

Five-time Premier League champion Patrice Evra has claimed that several West Ham players wanted gay team-mates kicked out of the team.

Manchester United news, exclusives and analysis

The former Manchester United and France defender spent the final six months of his professional career at West Ham after joining the east London club on a free transfer in February 2018.

Last week, Evra was fined for posting homophobic abuse online following comments he made on social media in 2019.

The 41-year-old has apologised for the comments – insisting they do not ‘represent him’ – and says he was one of the players who stood up for gay footballers while he was at West Ham.

Speaking to The Times, Evra recalled an FA official visiting West Ham to talk about inclusion and the acceptance of gay players.

‘Some of the players said, “If someone is gay in this room then they have to go’ and [they referenced] their religion,’ said Evra.

‘I stood up and said, “Shut up everyone, are we still judging people for who they are?”

‘I don’t want to prove myself, it’s about the way I’m acting every day, the things I teach my kids, the way I am to my friends and family and the world. I’m not trying to convince anyone.’

Evra, who won five Premier League titles and the Champions League at Manchester United, also claimed that on many occasions throughout his career young players told him they were too scared to come out.

‘They say, “Patrice, you are really open-minded but I don’t know how all the people will react.” And I say, if it was me, I would come out,’ the Frenchman said.

‘I don’t want to be an example because I am not perfect. But I am a public figure who can influence a lot of people so people can interpret things in the wrong way and use that to destroy you.