A FORMER Rangers player has joined Glasgow campaigners calling for an end to homophobia in schools.

Dougie Bell, a now retired Blues midfielder, has joined the Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) campaign in calling for lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual issues to be taught in schools.

He said: “In order to eradicate homophobia, biphobia and transphobia from society, including within football terraces and dressing rooms, then education is key. That’s why I fully support the TIE campaign as they endeavour to ensure that all schools are inclusive of LGBTI issues and identities.”

The 57-year-old is the latest in a list of sportsmen to support the campaign, with former Scotland internationalist Pat Nevin and Welsh international rugby union referee Nigel Owen also backing TIE’s calls.

His endorsement comes as the campaign’s calls for the Scottish Government to ensure that all schools are offering an education which is inclusive of LGBT issues and identities have gained momentum and generated cross-party support.

A TIE spokesman said: “We are delighted that Dougie Bell has backed our campaign. It is important that voices from all corners of our society - including within Scottish football - speak out against the exclusion that many LGBTI young people face within our schools.”