Referee James Child has spoken openly about his sexuality for this first time as he gave insight into some of the horrendous abuse he has received over the years.

Child's family, friends and colleagues have all been aware that he's gay for a long period of time and insists that his decision to speak out isn't his 'coming out' story.

But speaking to the BBC, Child admitted that he had been the subject of homophobic abuse during his time within the sport, revealing he has received death threats.

"It's better to be who you are, and comfortable in who you are," he told BBC's LGBT Sport Podcast.

"The way I've lived my life on social media, I'm pretty open about the fact I have a male partner.

"I don't necessarily broadcast it but just live my life normally, and that's the way I've chosen to deal with it up until now. And in many ways, my sexuality and my job are completely separate and it's irrelevant.

"When I run out there and make a decision, it doesn't matter whether I'm gay or straight. What matters is whether the decision is right or wrong."

On receiving abuse from the touchlines, Child, who took charge of his first Super League game in 2009, added: "I do receive my fair share, including a couple of death threats over the past few years that have been referred to the police.

"I'm not saying that's all to do with my sexuality, but I certainly think one, if not two of those, were homophobic.

"By me speaking about this publicly, there can't then be a situation where somebody is homophobic, but denies knowing I'm gay."

He continued: "I'm not denying people their opportunity to go to a game and shout at me as a referee. By all means, do it! Carry on doing it! I'm used to it!

"But when you start bringing religion or disability or sexual orientation into it, we don't need that level of personalisation."