People loved Stephen Byrne’s documentary on homophobia in football, Playing Straight.
The RTE documentary offered a raw and real insight into the sport that, unlike so many others, has no openly gay players at the top of the league.
The 2FM DJ revealed to Goss.ie that he felt very unsafe while filming the show and it was seen on the one hour documentary how verbally and physically violent football fans were towards homosexual people.
Many people were shocked by the amount of homophobia in the sport – but many also gushed about Stephen for taking on the challenge to make the documentary.
FairPlay to @stephenbyrne bringing light to a very dark area of football. The beautiful game not so beautiful. #PlayingStraight
— Brendan McSweeney (@BrendanMcS_93) November 16, 2016
Part 1 of #PlayingStraight blew me away! Well done @stephenbyrne xxx
— Bláthnaid Treacy (@BlathnaidT) November 16, 2016
This makes for some powerful viewing. #PlayingStraight
— Dennis Tynan (@DennisTynan) November 16, 2016
It’s ironic they call it the ‘beautiful game’ but the hatred it brings is disgusting #playingstraight
— Niamh Maher (@NiamhMaher) November 16, 2016
If you’re not watching anything in particular, or even if you are, get over to @RTE2 right now. #PlayingStraight
— David Sheehan ? (@DavidSSport) November 16, 2016
Me and Dad are watching #PlayingStraight ❤️
Everyone tune in! pic.twitter.com/CHHFYQPYzf— Kat ?? (@katkatkatt) November 16, 2016
I’m not gay+I’d find it incredible to see a footballer come out. So I can only imagine how it’d be for a young gay person? #PlayingStraight
— Nicola Bardon (@NicolaBardon) November 16, 2016
Watching #PlayingStraight on @RTE2. Very proud of you @stephenbyrne. This is incredibly important. pic.twitter.com/PEOkm7Q8B7
— Emma Nolan (@EmmaNolan13) November 16, 2016
Insightful look at why gay soccer players don’t come out. #realitybites #PlayingStraight
— Vonny (@VonnyR7) November 16, 2016
Just brilliant @stephenbyrne take a bow! ❤️ #PlayingStraight @rte
— Jenny Greene (@djjennygreene) November 16, 2016
This programme is amazing #PlayingStraight I hope it will open people’s eyes
— Wayne L (@WayneLawlor) November 16, 2016
#PlayingStraight this documentary is going to make a difference. It’s going to open so many people’s eyes
— Kat ?? (@katkatkatt) November 16, 2016
#PlayingStraight should be shown in all secondary schools and youth sports clubs. Such an important discussion.
— Coco (@Coquito_Loquito) November 16, 2016
Hats off to @stephenbyrne great doc! Finally a real conversation tackling a very real problem! #PlayingStraight
— mary (@faery13) November 16, 2016
Amount of homophobia in football is so shocking. Must be so frustrating going through all this and not finding real answers #PlayingStraight
— Rob O’Sullivan (@RobHand) November 16, 2016
Stephen u r breaking down the walls of silence!!! Can’t believe that this is still something we’re talking about in 2016 #PlayingStraight
— Colleen Farrell (@ColleenEFarrell) November 16, 2016
