Atkin hopes that it will contribute to the recognition of the fact that gays in English football will be treated better and they are not afraid to admit their orientation.

"I think that now is the right time to say: I participate in professional football and it so happened that I'm gay. For me it's a step into the unknown.

In the UK, there are currently no open homosexual players, and until today there were no open gay referees. I hope that my actions will help others in this situation gain confidence in themselves, "said Atkin.

32-year-old judge - the first professional arbiter in the UK, who made a cunning out. We note that Atkin serves the matches of the National League, the fifth English division, but also serves as the fourth arbiter or lineman in the games of the stronger divisions.

The Football Association of England (FA) expressed full support to Atkin.