Sky Sports News host accidentally calls FIFA President Sepp Blatter ‘queer’
A Sky Sports News presenter was left embarrassed when he accidentally referred to FIFA President Sepp Blatter as “queer” – when he meant to say ‘in the clear.’
Presenter Mike Wedderburn made the gaff on Tuesday in a segment on this week’s decision to clear Blatter of any criminal or ethical wrongdoing regarding a bribery scandal involving leading football officials and collapsed marketing partner ISL.
Blatter, 77, seen by many LGBT advocates as an obstacle when it comes to challenging homophobia in football, was forced to apologise in 2010 for saying that gay football fans should avoid having sex in Qatar – in light of the country’s draconian anti-gay laws.
Qatar hosts the World Cup in 2022.
The issue of gay tolerance in football is receiving renewed attention in the wake of US basketball player Jason Collins’ decision to come out as gay.
On Tuesday, former NBA player John Amaechi warned that American basketball is light years ahead of football when it comes to dealing with gay players.
“The dinosaurs continue to roar through the hallways of football, making sure that everyone knows how you have to behave,” Amaechi said.
Meanwhile, former Leeds United footballer Robbie Rogers, who came out as gay in February and quit the sport at the same time, has indicated he may return to playing football in the US.
