SCOTLAND’S only openly gay senior football player in the men’s game has praised the Clan ice hockey team for their support of the LBGTQ+ community.
Zander Murray was speaking after taking part in a ceremonial puck drop in front of around 3000 fans at the Clan home game on Friday against Nottingham Panthers, at Braehead Arena.
Clan decided to designate the match as a Pride Night and their players wore specially designed jerseys during the game to show support for the LGBTQ+ movement.
After the Elite Ice Hockey League game, the limited edition tops were auctioned off to fans raising money for the TIE – Time for Inclusive Education – charity.
TIE is an LGBTQ+ charity that tackles homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying and prejudice in schools through education.
Zander, 31, announced he was gay and first spoke about his sexuality last year.
After the Clan game, the striker with Cinch League 2 outfit, Bonnyrigg Rose said: “I’m honoured to support the Clan’s Pride Night. It’s fantastic that the Clan and their Purple Army fans are fundraising for TIE.
“I hope other sports will follow the example set by the Clan and the Elite Ice Hockey League.”
Zander added: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work with TIE both in Scottish schools and in football academies helping to address the prejudice that LGBT young people can still experience.
“Seeing events like the Clan’s Pride Night is hugely significant and symbolic in ensuring that LGBT fans and players within ice hockey know they are welcome and included.
“There should be no room for prejudice or discrimination of LGBT people in any sport and this event makes that abundantly clear.”
Gareth Chalmers, Braehead Arena managing director said: “The Clan have nothing but huge respect for what Zander has achieved and the way he has become an example to others in sport.
“Our game against the Panthers was made the Clan’s Pride Night and the Clan players and fans are certainly proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Zander and show that ice hockey and other sports should be open to all.”