Luke Ayling Becomes The First Current Premier League Footballer To Attend A Pride Event

Luke Ayling, a Leeds United defender, makes history as the first active Premier League footballer to attend a Pride event.

The event, marking its 17th year, attracts more than 50,000 people and is a massive celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.

Leeds United were this year’s sponsors and key figures from the team showed their support.

CEO of Leeds United, Angus Kinnear, and former Leeds United players Noel Whelan and Jermaine Beckford were also in attendance, according to Gay Times.

Retired players were on the Leeds Pride bus as they paraded through the city and several members of the current team sent messages in support for Marching Out Together.

Captain Liam Cooper said: “I am proud to captain a club that not only supports Leeds Pride, but also works throughout the year with Marching Out Together, to make sure that everybody at Elland Road feels welcome.”

“Happy Leeds Pride to everyone at Marching Out Together and to all our fans in the LGBT community, from all of us here at Leeds United,” added winger Daniel James.

In recent years, football has tried to become a more LGBTQ+ inclusive sport. In May, 17-year-old Jake Daniels was the first footballer to come out since Justin Fashanu in 1990.

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