British
footballer in trouble over "faggot" remark

British football player Rio Ferdinand is no stranger to scandals, having survived a media savaging when he failed to attend a drug test, claiming it left his mind while preoccupied with moving into a new residence. The Manchester United defender is back in the hot seat after calling DJ Chris Moyles a "faggot" during an interview on Radio 1.

The DJ quizzed Ferdinand about which of his Manchester United teammates he found more attractive--Alan Smith or Paul Scholes. Moyles, referring to the two players' nicknames, asked, "If you had to, who would you rather go out with, Smudger or Scholesy?" Ferdinand replied, "That is not my bag...that is not my game, talking about going out with geezers."

Moyles, a Leeds United supporter, declared a preference for Smith, an ex-Leeds player. Ferdinand said, "You're a faggot." This quip drew a sharp intake of breath in the studio, prompting Ferdinand to respond, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm not homophobic."

Moyles said "You can't say that" before joking that the comment was "footballing terminology for a funny lad."

Peter Tatchell, a spokesman for gay rights group OutRage! said, "Even as a joke homophobic quips are just as unacceptable as racist ones, but since Rio Ferdinand very promptly apologized, I am happy to accept his regret and leave it at that." (Gay.com/U.K.)