Adelaide United defender Antony Golec has avoided sanction after admitting posting a “foolish” homophobic slur against a referee on a social network website.
Golec was told by Adelaide United on Monday his contract would be terminated if he transgressed again.
The 21-year-old used social networking website Twitter to attack A-League referee Ben Williams while he was controlling Melbourne Victory’s home match against Brisbane Roar on Saturday night.
Williams made several controversial calls in the 2-2 draw, including sending off two Victory players.
Golec initially tweeted “Ben Williams worst referee ever” before a subsequent homophobic message attacked Williams.
Golec said the final comment was meant as a private message to his brother but was mistakenly placed on his general page.
“As a consequence, the twitter was read by people to whom I never intended to publish what was a private exchange in which I attempted to be humorous,” Golec read from a prepared statement on Monday.
“I accept without reservation what I did was foolish and that as a consequence Ben Williams has every right to feel insulted and aggrieved.
“I unreservedly apologise to Ben.
“What I thought were private comments were sent in a moment of excitement, without proper thought being given to them.”
The former Sydney FC defender said he had been told “in no uncertain terms” by Adelaide United officials that a further similar transgression would result in his contract being torn up.
“I will ensure that I repay the loyalty and faith they have shown in me,” he said.
“I have also been counselled as to how the misuse of social media can lead to the issues for the club and me personally.
“The club has told me that it’s up to me to regain the trust and confidence of the squad, I will do that.”
Golec, who did not take questions from the media, also said he had written to Williams and hoped the referee would accept his apology.
mitch
Guest
Casual hatred perpetuates real hatred, the more LGBT's are treated as something to disdain, the more likely someone will actually get murdered, or commit suicide from hatred.
MelbCro
Guest
lol, political correctness gone mad
jed
Guest
It is interesting how many give a pass to this kind of casual homophobia. The only thing that will diminish his ignorance about people he disparages to his betters is to meet a 'homo' and find out they're no different from him. All of you who think this is 'no big deal' might feel differently if it was you he was rudely and stupidly lumping together in a 2d class category. He meant what he said, and if he's a real man, will take his punishment like a real man and not expect a pass like an immature boy. He's a public person, and consequently held to a higher standard. With privilege ($$$/public platform) comes responsibility. No 21 year old today can expect anyone to believe he didn't know that a stupidly worded twitter blast wont' come back to haunt. If Anthony Weiner's screwup can go global, then so can his.
Roger
Guest
What? A 21 year old has an opinion? And used social media to convey it? And made a homophobic reference? OMG, what is the world coming to...... Honestly, this whole thing is ridiculous. Same as all the other similar stories about young athletes expressing their opinions via social media.
albatross
Roar Pro
Someone, somewhere else, suggested that this young man should be asked to do some work with folks who are the victims of casual prejudice. He might develop some empathy.
Dario
Guest
He's sorry let's leave it there. Although it would take some time to regain his squad's confidence.
Steve
Guest
Jeez lay off the bloke, he hasnt murdered anyone
Mato-Bateman
Guest
His young, he said something stupid, let's get over it. Sometimes all it takes is to make one mistake to be a better person and learn your lesson. I'm sure his learnt his lesson. He definitely doesn't deserve the sack. It's not like he went out to a club and caused problems. He will better for this. Only thing is can't see him playing in the first grade anytime soon now.