Elliott, 44, revealed that they are reluctant to come out because they fear negative reactions.

The ex-central defender, who now advises the Equality and Human Rights Commission, was speaking at 'Homophobia - Football's Final Taboo' - a forum organised by the Kick It Out campaign and hosted by the FA at its Soho Square headquarters last night.

Another speaker, gay human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, said: 'The Football Association has great equality policies on paper but it often fails to put them into practice.

"It's time to turn the FA's opposition to anti-gay prejudice into action and give homophobia the boot.'

// posted by Paul Scott @ 3:13 pm