Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard has criticised football's view of homosexuality and said that the gay footballing community needs a "hero".

"As a footballer I think first and foremost that a homosexual colleague is afraid of the reception he could get from the fans," the 28-year-old wrote on the Danish version of Betfair.

"Homosexuality in football is a taboo subject. The atmosphere on the pitch and in the stands is tough. The mechanisms are primitive, and it is often expressed through a classic stereotype that a real man should be brave, strong and aggressive. And it is not the image that a football fan associates with a gay person.

"While the rest of the world has been more liberal, civilised and less prejudiced, the world of football remains stuck in the past when it comes to tolerance."

No top division footballer has come out since Justin Fashanu in 1990 and Lindegaard feels that the fight against homophobia in the sport requires a star name to be brave enough to do so.

Lindegaard added: "Homosexuals are in need of a hero. They are in need of someone who dares to stand up for their sexuality."

The Dane will be hoping to start in goal for United when West Ham visit Old Trafford tomorrow evening.