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When Jake Daniels, a 17-year-old player for Blackpool FC came out yesterday, the outpouring of support from across global football warmed the hearts of even the most cynical sports fans.

Here was a young lad who wanted to share his truth and live authentically - coming out as gay at the very start of his career, in front of a global audience.

Fully supported by his club, the EFL, Premier League, FIFA, all the way through to national politicians and beaming Blackpool FC fans.

This immediate, genuine support was a moment of pride and a sign of just how football has changed since Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign started in 2013.

Back then, the conversation about LGBTQ+ representation in football was practically non-existent.

While same-sex couples were getting married, and almost every other sector was embracing diversity and inclusion, there was a deafening silence from leading football bodies and clubs.

Sadly, the only noise we heard was the homophobic 'banter' that too-often went unchallenged in the stands and was left to thrive on social media.

There was absolutely no sign at all that a gay or bi male professional player who came out would have the support of his teammates, club, league or the