Senior Lecturer writes for ITV News

Dr Stefan Lawrence, Senior Lecturer in Sociology of Sport and Course Co-ordinator for BA (hons) Sport and Exercise Studies at Newman University, Birmingham has seen his expertise called upon in a recent article for ITV News.

The ITV report titled ‘Why are more female professional footballers openly gay or bisexual than male players? comes shortly after the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. The report highlights the difference between the men and women’s game, focusing on the point that were at least 41 female players or coaches who are openly gay or bisexual within the recent tournament, compared to none in the men’s tournament last year.

Dr Lawrence draws upon his expertise in masculinity in sport stating he believes that women’s football has a different culture to the men’s game, commenting, “It’s more inclusive and accepting, you don’t see the division between opposing fans,” he explains, adding that the inclusivity has created “better levels of tolerance within the culture of the women’s game.”

To read the article in full visit the ITV website.