Gary Lineker slams “homophobic bile” against Tom Daley

Gary Lineker has hit out at Twitter users who have been tweeting abuse to Tom Daley after he revealed he is bisexual.

Lineker attacked the faceless bullies who have been directing “homophobic bile” at Tom Daley after he confirmed that he is in a relationship with a man earlier this week.

The Match of the Day presenter tweeted his support to Daley, who chose to speak about his sexuality in a YouTube video to his fans.

Lineker posted: “Delighted that @TomDaley1994 is happy in his new relationship. Well done for sharing it. Good luck to them both.”

“They may be a small minority, but some of the homophobic bile on here is disgusting and pathetic. Grow up you morons!” he later added.

The 53-year-old continued that he hopes Daley’s announcement will encourage gay footballers to speak out about their sexuality.

“Hope the gay footballers who may be contemplating ‘coming out’ are encouraged by the groundswell of good feeling towards @TomDaley1994,” he posted.

Daley, 19, said that his life “changed massively” when he met his partner in the spring, adding that he is still attracted to women.

He later said that he feels “overwhelmed” by the response to his announcement, after receiving messages of support from Kylie Minogue, Matt Lucas and fellow Team GB diver Chris Mears.