Luke Shaw denies he is one of two gay footballers preparing to come out

Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw has responded to speculation that he is gay.

This weekend it has been claimed that two top-flight players, one of whom is an England international, have told their friends, family and clubs and will be making a public announcement in the coming months.

The Mirror’s report wisely declined to name names, but fingers quickly pointed towards Shaw on social media.

One fan account posted in response to the whispers: “The idiocy of these Luke Shaw rumours & he’s not even gay! And so what if he is? He’s a United player and we support him.”

Shaw replied: “it’s not me… so everyone can shut up now”.

@UnitedStandMUFC it's not me ✌🏼 so everyone can shut up now 😀

— Luke Shaw (@LukeShaw23) October 24, 2015

There are no out, gay professional male footballers playing in England at the moment. Thomas Hitzlsperger, who came out last year, didn’t do so until he retired.

With sportspeople from other major sports coming out, it’s about time football caught up.

Let’s hope the two players know a world of support is waiting for them when they’re ready.