FA equality adviser who called gays ‘detestable’, resigns
An ex-footballer who described gay people as “detestable”, and who was appointed as an equality advisor to the Football Association (FA), has stepped down.
Michael Johnson was appointed to the FA’s Inclusion Advisory Board which will meet for the first time this month and was created to “promote inclusion and tackle discrimination in all its forms”.
The former Birmingham City defender was asked by the BBC’s Nick Campbell if he would support the FA’s fight against homophobia during a discussion programme in 2012.
He replied:”Because of my beliefs, because of the Bible that I read, in the Bible it does state that homosexuality is detestable unto the Lord.”
Following the revelation, the 40-year-old apologised, but today he stepped down.
In a statement posted by the FA today, Johnson said: “I’ve taken time over the weekend to reflect on the media coverage from last week and feel that it’s in the best interests of all concerned if I step down from my duties with the Inclusion Advisory Board.
“My position on the Inclusion Advisory Board was voluntary and I’ve decided to use that time to continue my personal development and education within equality.”
“I remain a big advocate of inclusion in football and have actively supported The FA’s COACH programme which offers aspiring coaches from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds a chance to progress their football qualifications.”
Former NBA player John Amaechi and human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell both criticised the decision of the FA to bring Johnson on board.
