Newcastle United fans share classy message to Jakub Jankto as Czech Republic star comes out as gay

Newcastle United fans have shared a message of support and praise for Czech Republic footballer Jakub Jankto as he becomes the first current international in men's football to publicly come out as gay.

United with Pride, the official Newcastle United LGBTQIA+ supporters group, responded to a video shared by the 27-year-old on Twitter in which he said, 'I no longer want to hide myself'.

United with Pride wrote: "‘If you can see it you can be it’. It’s so important that young LGBTQ+ athletes can have role models to look up to.

"Congrats to Jakub for coming out as a proud homosexual and men’s professional footballer. Yes, it’s possible to be both and yes, it is something to celebrate!"

Jankto plays for Sparta Prague in the Czech Republic, where he is on loan from Spanish side Getafe. The midfielder has made 45 appearances for the national side since making his debut in 2017.

In his video shared online, Jankto said: "Like everybody else, I have my strengths, I have my weaknesses, I have a family, I have my friends. I have a job that I have been doing as best as I can for years with seriousness, with professionalism and passion.

"Like everybody else, I also want to live my life in freedom without fears, without prejudice, without violence but with love. I am homosexual and I no longer want to hide myself."

Last year, Blackpool star Jake Daniels became the first male professional footballer in the UK to come out while still playing for more than 30 years - Justin Fashanu was the last active professional to do so in 1990.

Daniels received messages of support from Newcastle United and players including Callum Wilson.

At the time, Wilson said: "It's taken a 17-year-old to come out and show that bravery and courage.

"I'm sure there will now be more players who start getting that courage from such a young lad and feel they can now speak - when they see the impact it has in a positive way and they won't be marginalised.

"It's a moment in football and a new chapter. From this point onwards you're going to see more people having that courage, thinking if a 17-year-old boy can do it, then I can do it.

"Then all of a sudden, it becomes normal and everyone isn't so surprised that someone is coming out with a different sexuality to the majority of the dressing room.

"It's important that we start breaking barriers on that going forwards. It's important no one feels like they can't be themselves."