)
The world's first international study on homophobia in sport has found widespread prejudice against homosexuality in UK sport, scientists say.
Researchers found that 85 per cent of UK participants in the study believed an openly gay, lesbian or bisexual person would not be very safe as a spectator at a sporting event.
The research was conducted by the global sports market research firm Repucom and overseen by a panel of seven academics from six universities, including Brunel University London.
Participants were from the UK, Ireland, North America, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
The results showed that despite the prevalence of homophobia, more young gay and lesbian athletes are coming 'out of the closet' than ever before.
Gay men in the UK under the age of 22 were nearly twice as likely to be out of the closet to their entire team (30 per cent) than in most other English speaking countries.
In the UK, spectator stands as well as reports of homophobic violence stood out as major areas of concern, researchers said.
"In the UK we have recently invested significant resources to address discrimination in sport but it's very clear from this study that much more needs to be done, particularly around homophobia," said review panel member Professor Ian Rivers from Brunel University London.
"This form of discrimination is not only affecting lesbian, gay and bisexual people but the study shows many straight men are also being targeted.
"I strongly hope that sport governing bodies, organisers of major sporting events, coaches, referees and even athletes take this report away and consider what we each can do to ensure lesbian, gay and bisexual people feel safe and welcome," Rivers said.
For the study, data were collected through an anonymous 10-15 minute online survey promoted through social and traditional media and by sporting organisations, professional athletes, corporations and government.
The survey, the largest of its kind, comprised nearly 9,500 participants, including 1,796 from the UK.
More than half of gay men (60 per cent) and lesbians (54 per cent) and 24 per cent of heterosexual men said they have personally been targeted with homophobia.
The study found that gay and lesbian youth in the UK are much more likely to report being personally targeted than previous generations.
Of those who had personally experienced homophobia: 81 per cent of gay men and 80 per cent of lesbians have received verbal slurs such as "faggot" or "dyke."
Violence was also common with 21 per cent of gay men and 14 per cent of lesbians reporting physical assaults and 26 per cent of gay men and 18 per cent of lesbians reporting threats of harm.
