LONDON, England – Rylan Clark, the former X-Factor star, has opened up about a traumatic homophobic attack that left him with a fractured skull in a new documentary titled Rylan: Homophobia, Football and Me. The documentary delves into the issue of homophobia within the sport and explores Clark’s personal experiences as a football fan and a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Clark candidly shares the challenges he faced as a young West Ham fan, revealing that he was subjected to derogatory comments and physical violence because of his sexuality. His recount of the attack, which resulted in a fractured skull, sheds light on the harsh realities of homophobia in football.
The documentary features interviews with prominent figures in football, including former Aston Villa and Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, who publicly came out as gay after retiring. Additionally, ex-England star and football pundit Rio Ferdinand discusses his use of a homophobic slur and shares how his attitudes have evolved over time.
Furthermore, the documentary delves into the differing attitudes towards homosexuality within the women’s game and explores how the sport can be more inclusive for LGBTQ+ individuals. The aim of the documentary is to encourage dialogue about the need for a more welcoming and inclusive environment in football, regardless of sexual orientation.