Last October he moved the world of sport and football by revealing his homosexuality. Australian Josh Cavallo, now 22, became the first active footballer to come out. A historic, strong, courageous act. He was breaking a taboo in the world of football. Unfortunately for him, Cavallo has since become the preferred target of homophobes. Still too many in the stands. On Saturday, during the trip to the championship of his team from Adelaide on the ground of Melbourne Victory, the midfielder was the victim of insults. The match was not stopped and ended with a score of 1-1, as if nothing had happened.
It was finally after this meeting that Cavallo revealed the facts on social networks.
He particularly regrets that these acts are still authorized and go unnoticed in stadiums in 2022.
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“I'm not going to pretend I didn't see or hear the homophobic abuse in last night's game,” he wrote.
There are no words to tell you how disappointed I was.
As a society, it shows that we still face these issues in 2022. It should not be acceptable and we need to do more to empower these people.
Hate will never win.
I will never apologize for revealing my truth and, more recently, who I am outside of football.
"
Despite the disappointment, the international midfielder sends a message of hope "to all young people who have been victims of homophobic abuse". “Keep your head up and keep chasing your dreams. Be aware that there is no place in the game for this. Football is a game for everyone, no matter who you are, what color your skin is or where you are from. "
Following this publication, the Australian received the support of many personalities and clubs. Including his weekend opponent. Melbourne Victory has been made aware of homophobic comments directed at Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo during Saturday night's clash with the Reds at AAMI Park. The Club is committed to celebrating diversity in football, and strongly condemns this behavior which has no place in our Club or in our game. Melbourne Victory sees football as a place to unite fans, regardless of their background. . Spectators who violate these standards will be banned from future matches. "
The two clubs, the League have decided to launch an investigation to find and sanction the perpetrators of these acts.
"Thanks to all the positive messages, love and support, seeing that the negativity far outweighs the negativity," Josh Cavallo concluded in his post.
To the people who reached out after taking a stand during the match.
Congratulations.
Thank you to these fans, you moved me.
Love will always win.
"