MICHY BATSHUAYI has laughed off “false” reports he is set to come out as gay.

A Twitter user claimed the Chelsea striker had told team-mates he is homosexual.

REX FEATURES

3

But Batshuayi, 24, responded: “Bro even your mother knows that’s false (sic),” alongside four “crying with laughter” emojis.

Former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger and ex-Leeds winger Robbie Rogers both came out as gay AFTER leaving English football

No player has ever come out while still playing in the top flight.

A number of campaigns to promote gender equality and support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender players in football are ongoing.

3

GETTY IMAGES – GETTY

3

Charity Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces movement has almost 200,000 people behind it.

The FA and the Scottish FA have both backed the campaign.

Corner flags and handshake boards will display rainbow colours as part of increased branding.

The latest movement is set to last for three days starting when West Ham meet Leicester on Friday November 24.

In October, former Stoke and West Brom ace Carl Hoefkens told De Zondag he played alongside three gay players, including two in the Premier League.

He said: “I played alongside three gay footballers, including one who was a genuinely big name.

“They did not hide who they were in the dressing-room.

“One was at Club Brugge, and the other two were in England.

“I won’t name names as I respect their requests. One of them would even arrive at training with his boyfriend.

“They asked us to keep quiet to the outside world, but don’t ask me why.”