Openly gay professional footballer Josh Cavallo says he was the victim of homophobic abuse while playing for Adelaide United against Melbourne Victory in the A-League on Saturday night.
Cavallo has posted about his experience on Instagram, saying: “I’m not going to pretend that I didn’t see or hear the homophobic abuse at the game last night.
“There are no words to tell you how disappointed I was. As a society this shows we still face these problems in 2022.
“This shouldn’t be acceptable and we need to do more to hold this people accountable. Hate never will win.
“I will never apologise for living my truth and most recently who I am outside of football. To all the young people who have received homophobic abuse, hold your heads up high and keep chasing your dreams.
“Know that there is no place in the game for this. Football is a game for everyone no matter of who you are, what colour your skin is or where you come from.
“To @instagram I don’t want any child or adult to have to receive the hateful and hurtful messages that I’ve received. I knew truely being who I am that I was going to come across this. It’s a sad reality that your platforms are not doing enough to stop these messages.
“Thank you to all the positive messages, love and support from people all around the world, seeing that far outweighs the negativity. To the individuals that reached out after making a stand at the game. I commend you. Thank you to those fans, you had me emotional.
“Love will always win.”
Cavallo made world headlines in October when he became the first male professional footballer to come out as gay while still playing.
He played 36 minutes off the bench in Adelaide’s 1-1 draw against Victory at Melbourne’s AAMI Park.
The Sydney Morning Herald, quoting club sources, said Cavallo also complained of similar homophobic abuse during United’s FFA Cup quarter-final loss to Victory on Wednesday night, which was played at Coopers Stadium in Adelaide.
The Professional Footballers’ Association released the following statement.
This was Football Australia’s response.
Melbourne Victory’s response was brief and short on detail.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
I dont remember WSW being docked points for the RBB homophobic banner let alone being forced to play behind closed doors.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Unfortunately some Victory fans have a history of poor behaviour.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Agree. Imagine if you had to deny who you were because of such prejudice. It's utterly unthinkable to most people but to some it's what they have to endure - and the mental scarring that goes with it.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Such a shame - the majority of people in society, followers of all sport and football in particular are supportive of all people in our community. This is a minority and not reflective of the thoughts of the majority. Like all people on this site I hope Josh is not affected by this and knows that we want to see him continue to play, play well, possibly play for our Socceroos and continue to enjoy football knowing the majority of us totally support him.
Tigertown
Guest
Disgusting by the Victory “supporters”. Not real fans, just wannabe hoons on goon. Popa needs to speak out.
TheSecretScout
Roar Guru
Thats a weak punishment, only way you stop this is if you start docking teams points. Immediate 3 point deduction and 3-0 for the other team. If it happens a second time, docked 6 points
NoMates
Roar Rookie
Just when things look to be getting better Victory fans go and do this, you could hear the Vuc supporters chanting "f@got" throughout the game.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Society comes in all shapes and sizes, and this means there will always be vocal homophobes in the crowd. There needs to be a similar approach to homophobia as there is towards racism, as adverse consequences moderates those with views that are deemed unacceptable and encourages the crowd to self-police.
Waz
Roar Rookie
Disgraceful. Need to stamp down hard on this - I’m not a fan of points being docked for fans behaviour but that’s the territory this sits in.
Redcap
Roar Guru
As a white, heterosexual male I have no idea how it must feel to be subjected to such abuse. Stay strong, Josh. The mouth-breathing knuckle-draggers are very much in the minority.
Nathan Cirson
Roar Pro
No discrimination of any kind should be allowed or tolerated. Disgusting that this still happens.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
It's disappointing to hear this.
c
Guest
keep up your good work Joshua :football:
pal
Guest
As a Vuck supporter I would have no complaints if the next home game was behind closed doors. This was unacceptable.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
Sad world we live in. :unhappy: