Jesus Tomillero, believed to be the
first openly gay registered Spanish soccer referee, is quitting his
job over being the target of verbal abuse at games.
“I can't stand it anyone,”
Tomillero
told the AP.
The 21-year-old came out gay 18 months
ago on social media.
A part-time referee and waiter,
Tomillero said that the Andalusian Football Federation in southern
Spain does not support him and accused fans and coaching staff of
insulting him over his sexual orientation.
Rafael Jimenez, a spokesman for the
league, denied the claim and said that he hopes Tomillero will change his mind.
“We encourage him to continue as a
ref and want him to be totally at ease and know that we will support
and protect him all the way,” Jimenez told he AP.