RateTheRef

Ryan Atkin is one of the very few openly LGBT referees in the senior ranks of officiating and I salute his courage and strength of character in taking what, at times, may seem like a somewhat lonely position and congratulate him on this appointment. Of course there are other LGBT referees at senior level and whilst I absolutely defend anyone's decision to keep their sexuality a private matter, I do also note that it is the openness and tyransparency of referees like Ryan Atkin which help to break down barriers and increase a general acceptance and perhaps his example might inspire others to follow.