Aaron Ramsdale on mission to tackle homophobia in football after gay brother’s bigotry battles
After his brother faced bigotry as a gay man, Aaron Ramsdale says he is intent on tackling homophobia in football dressing rooms.
Aaron Ramsdale is intent on tackling homophobia in football dressing rooms after his gay brother Oliver’s battles with bigotry.
The Arsenal keeper, 24, is the youngest of three boys, with the eldest, Edward, working as a prison guard and middle brother, Oliver, performing in the West End.
Ramsdale was hit with a huge backlash when he made the move from Sheffield United to Arsenal in 2021 as many questioned why Mikel Artetawas signing the young Englishman – and went on to thrive during his two season at the Emirates.
But he says the abuse he faced from the terraces is noting compared with what his brother Oliver has had to face as a gay man.
He told the Players’ Tribune: “Whenever people tell me it’s brave what I’ve done, pursuing this football dream, I just laugh. Oliver is the real superstar of the family. He’s the brave one.
“Three weeks before he was supposed to leave for university in Bedford, he told my parents that he had a change of heart. He didn’t want to become a PE teacher. He wanted to chase his real dream and go to drama school. So he literally packed up everything and went to London to pursue a totally different life.
“But that’s not the bravest thing he’s done. That’s not why I admire him.
“My brother is gay, and he’s lived his life in an open and authentic way since he went off to school. I’m so proud to say he’s my brother. I haven’t talked about it before, but with everything going on in football right now, I thought it was important to mention.
“Oliver is a lot like me, in many ways. He’s a regular bloke. Loves football. Loves knocking about with his mates. Loves the Gunners. He’s proud of me, and I’m really proud of him.
“Over the years, I’ve probably bit my tongue a few too many times — both in dressing rooms and on social media — whenever I hear homophobic comments or stupid things being said. And I think maybe my brother has done the same, thinking it would make my life easier.
“Well, all that ends today.”
There are still no openly gay footballers in the Premier League, but Blackpool player Jake Daniels, 17, revealed he was gay in May last year after gaining the acceptance of teammates.
Ramsdale finished his Players' Tribune piece by calling for the eradication of discrimination in football, saying: “For me, I obviously dream about winning the league and parading the trophy through North London, for sure. World Cup. Champions League. I’ve got all those dreams, but those are all football dreams.
“As a person, I have another dream. I want this game I love to be a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
“I want my brother, Ollie – or anyone of any sexuality, race or religion – to come to games without having to fear abuse.
“And when we lift a trophy at the Emirates Stadium, I want my brother there with me. What could the trolls tell us then? Not a thing.”
