January 8 – A former professional footballer has stepped down from a key English pro-equality panel following criticism over comments he made last year describing homosexuality as “detestable”.
Former Jamaica international Michael Johnson, who played for a number of English clubs, was appointed to the FA’s Inclusion Advisory Board in mid-December 2013, 21 months after making his comments.
He insists he has changed his views but decided, following intense media coverage, that he could not continue on the board put together by new FA chairman Greg Dyke with the aim of widening inclusion in football.
“I feel that it’s in the best interests of all concerned if I step down from my duties,” said Johnson. “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.”
Johnson made his controversial comments on a BBC programme in March 2012 when asked if he would support the FA’s anti-homophobic campaign because of his Christian faith.
“Because of my beliefs, because of the Bible that I read, in the Bible it does state that homosexuality is detestable unto the Lord,” he replied at the time.
The board’s chairperson, Heather Rabbatts, said Johnson’s decision, whilst regrettable, would not prevent him being involved in the future. “It’s unfortunate that Michael has decided to step down but he remains 100% behind the aims of the inclusion advisory board and is someone that we will be speaking to on a regular basis as we progress throughout this year and beyond,” she said.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734831640labto1734831640ofdlr1734831640owedi1734831640sni@w1734831640ahsra1734831640w.wer1734831640dna1734831640