Barry Hall talks homophobia in AFL and says he is surprised no one has come out in the sport

SPORTING great Barry Hall has revealed what he thinks about gay AFL players who keep their sexuality a secret.

BARRY Hall says he’s surprised no professional AFL player has come out as gay.

The sporting great, who retired from the game in 2011, said he was shocked when a player said they wouldn’t be comfortable sharing the locker room shower with a gay player.

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“I’m surprised someone hasn’t come out yet in AFL,” he said in the South African ‘jungle’ camp of I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!

“Without pushing anyone, I think they are trying to encourage someone to (come out) if they are. And honestly, the players would be, all the players I know, wouldn’t care. It is not an issue.”

“Honestly - the players that I know wouldn't care… it’s not an issue.” –Barry #ImACelebrityAU

— #ImACelebrityAU (@ImACelebrityAU) March 8, 2015

TONIGHT: Barry opens up about homophobia in AFL. Full conversation at 6.30pm. #ImACelebrityAUhttps://t.co/YoqHyFYIyj

— #ImACelebrityAU (@ImACelebrityAU) March 8, 2015

Hall, who recently split from his wife, was speaking to openly gay comedian Joel Creasey, who commended his stance.

“It is cool to hear a legend like Barry Hall says it is all right for a footballer to come out,” said Creasey. He is a big deal in the football world.”

Joel Creasey and Barry Hall. Picture: Channel 10

Barry Hall and Joel Creasey. Picture: Channel 10

Mates ... Barry Hall and Joel Creasey high five in the jungle. Picture: Channel 10

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Hall, 38, and Creasey, 24, have formed an unlikely friendship in the camp.

“I’m not surprised Barry was so open with me, he and I have got a really strong friendship and he told me some things that I don’t think he would speak to other people in camp about.”

Champ ... Barry Hall with team mates when he played for the Sydney Swans. Picture: Supplied

Of their friendship, Hall said: “I’m really comfortable talking to Joel about anything. It is a unique friendship and one from left field.”

— The journalist is in South Africa as a guest of Channel Ten.

Originally published as Barry Hall talks homophobia in AFL and says he is surprised no one has come out in the sport