Lancashire-born Sir Ian McKellen has branded the world of sport homophobic.
The veteran actor, who is openly gay, attacked sports fans who make it impossible for athletes to be honest about their sexuality, claiming many sports stars believe coming out would damage their career.
The 70-year-old said: “When it comes to the business of simply being honest about who they are, some of them become little shrinking violets because they're afraid, probably, of being booed from the terraces, and that must be a horrible experience and shame on people who do it.
“It ain't going to stop someone being a fantastic footballer because they're honest about their private lives, is it? I don't believe so and the world is changing and sport, I'm afraid, is very slow to catch up."
The Lord of the Rings star's comments come after rugby player Gareth Thomas revealed he was gay last month.
The Welsh fullback admitted he felt such pressure to hide his sexuality that he married his childhood sweetheart.
He eventually told her the truth and confided in several of his team mates who supported him.
He said: “I don't want to be known as a gay rugby player. I am a rugby player, first and foremost I am a man. What I choose to do when I close the door at home has nothing to do with what I have achieved in rugby."
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