Graeme Souness explains why there are no openly gay footballers in the Premier League and reveals educational visit to Brighton Pride parade

Graeme Souness believes football has created an ‘uncomfortable environment’ for gay players.

Over the weekend, the Premier League joined forces with Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign to show support for all LGBT people in football.

According to a survey conducted by the organisation, 4 in 10 LGBT people do not think sport is welcoming.

Former West Ham and Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger became the first openly gay Premier League player – but he only came out in 2014, a year after retiring from the game.

With no active players coming out since Hitzlsperger’s announcement, the former Liverpool and Rangers midfielder has called for the governing bodies to change this.

“The PFA and Premier League have to look at themselves,” Souness said on Sky Sports.

“Why has nobody ever come out? I don’t think football has created an environment where anybody would feel comfortable or confident if they did.

“There must be gay and bisexual players in the Premier League but nobody has felt confident enough to say ‘this is me’.

The European Cup-winning midfielder made his name playing in the 70s and 80s, decades during which racism and homophobia were rife.

Things have changed drastically since then, for the better.

“It has to come from that individual, who wants to be true to themselves and their family,” added Souness.

“I come from a generation where it was extremely homophobic, the banter in our dressing room

“But a few months ago, I came and took part in a parade here [Brighton Pride], and it was enlightening and I learned so much. It changed my attitude.

“It was a fabulous day out, it was sunny, it was mobbed, there were tens of thousands of people there and I found it extremely educational.

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“I would tell anyone if you want to learn more, come down here for that parade and you’ll go away with a completely different opinion.”