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Paul Scholes Is Urged to Apologize for Homophobic Insult The Man U midfielder allegedly addressed referee Frank De Bleeckere with a homophobic insult during his side's match at Benfica	By Ovidiu Panzariu, Sports Editor 28th of September 2006, 09:32 GMT Adjust text size:


Paul Scholes cannot enjoy properly his side's win in Lisbon 2 days ago. Soon after Man U took revenge over Benfica and beat the Portuguese side 1-0, the English midfielder found out that "Outrage" - a gay human rights group - urged him to apologize for one of his remarks during the game. Peter Tatchell, Outrage's leader, accused Scholes of addressing referee Frank De Bleeckere with a homophobic insult after the Belgian awarded him with a yellow card in the 10th minute of the match. Therefore, Scholes should apologize in public for his wrongdoing, or else he will face suspension from the FA. "Homophobic abuse is no more acceptable than racism. It is shocking that the football authorities allowed Paul's bigoted insult to pass without taking any action. If he had made a racist remark, UEFA and the Football Association would have initiated immediate disciplinary proceedings. Why the double standards? We urge Paul to apologize and to express his opposition to homophobia", said Tatchell yesterday. He added: "It might help him understand and appreciate gay issues if he visited Manchester 's Gay Centre and Lesbian & Gay Foundation. His participation in a training course on homophobia could also be beneficial. No player, referee or fan should have to endure abuse about their race or sexuality". "The Football Association and individual clubs have made great efforts to tackle racism. But they have done little to kick out homophobia. It is time anti-gay attitudes were given the red card. There should be big fines and match suspensions for players, managers and supporters who willfully use anti-gay insults. Stewards should be ordered to identify fans who shout homophobic abuse and the FA should secure the agreement of the police to arrest and charge them", concluded Tatchell. The 31-year old midfielder will find out in a few days whether he will have to do something about it or ignore Tatchell. As soon as the referee's report will be overseen by UEFA officials, the player will have to go public or not.

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