Ex-Fifa official issues ‘massive’ claim after landmark Celtic and Rangers referee development
Keith Hackett has praised referee Craig Napier after he came out as gay – and he could referee Celtic and Rangers next season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed Napier’s sexuality should not make a “massive difference”.
BBC Sport reported last week (2 June) that Napier and fellow category one official Lloyd Wilson have become the first referees to come out as gay.
Napier revealed he was inspired by footballers Josh Cavallo and Jake Daniels and wanted to see a change a “climate change” within football.
The 56-year-old, who played for Clyde and Hamilton Academical before becoming a referee, officiated 32 SPFL and domestic cup fixtures during the 2021-22 season.
He has not taken charge of a Celtic or Rangers fixture before but as a category one official he could do so in the 2022-23 season.
Wilson, 31, operates at a lower level and has not officiated above Scottish League One.
“Ultimately at the end of the day, these things are far better out in the open,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“It shouldn’t make a massive difference, they may take some extra comments from spectators initially.
“We’ve got to be positive that these things are happening and they feel safe and secure to come out.”
Australian Cavallo become the only active openly gay footballer when he came out in October last year (2021).
Blackpool forward Jake Daniels, 17, became the first player in Britain to come out while playing last month (17 May) since Justin Fashanu.
In other news, Rangers have been tipped to sign the next Joe Hart after an update.