That's quite an extremist view if a religion has an alternate view with the notion of someone being gay does it automatically qualify homophobia ? Phobia is a strong word that centers around the definition of fear. Homophobia is a word that is being watered down and generalised to fit the description of anything that can be adversely seen as a disagreement in principle.
I could for instance disagree with the doctrinal views of the Buddhist / Muslim religion but that doesn't qualify me as being Islamaphobic. Not wearing a piece of material that is in representation of LGBT for religious reasons is not even close to homophobia. Now if the said player begins to ridicule the cause and use assertive language where the point that is conveyed is offensive that is justifiable of criticism.
Homophobia encompasses the irrational fear of, hatred of, dislike of, discomfort with, aversion to and prejudice against homosexual people or homosexual orientation.
If you don't believe gay people's sexuality carries as much merit (or lack therefor) and is as valid a form of sexuality as heterosexuality, that is by definition a homophobic position, as it indicates that particular sexuality is a lesser or less worthy form of sexuality. If the religion you choose to believe in's "alternate view" is that homosexuality is some sort of sin in a way that heterosexuality isn't, your religion is homophobic.
It isn't an extremist POV to hold religious views to the same standard as secular views. Nor is it "watering down" the definition of homophobia to look beyond an overly simplified breakdown of the word's etymology when assessing it's meaning. That isn't how words work.
Your point about disagreeing with the doctrinal views of the Buddhist/Muslim religion has zero applicability, because homosexuality isn't something people choose to follow, or something with doctrinal beliefs you can disagree with. You can't "disagree with" homosexuality.
I don't think he has an issue as such with LGBT people. He's come out and said he can't fully support the message due to something he strongly believes in, that doesnt mean he should be hung out to dry over it.
You can't force someone to think a certain way, just because it's common concensus. It's benign to you and I but obviously matters a great deal to him, enough for him to make a statement that will undoubtedly be scrutinised!
I'm not sure what you mean by "hung out to dry" but It certainly means he should be roundly criticised. You can't force someone to think a certain way, but you are absolutely entitled to pilllory and condemn their line of thought. You don't get a pass just because you "feel strongly".