First Openly Gay Football Josh Cavallo Slams Pride Jersey Boycott
First openly gay Adelaide United footballer Josh Cavallo is calling out his fellow sportsmen. After players with the Manly Sea Eagles recently announced that they were boycotting their wearing of the team's pride jersey, Cavallo said there actions will "devastate" many closeted teammates.
As reported by Daily Mail, Cavallo said the players were sending a "dangerous" message and undermining LGBTQ acceptance in the sport.
"We now know that these players would not welcome an LGBTQ teammate or fan. It actually shows us that having a gay or bisexual teammate bothers them," Cavallo told the Sydney Morning Herald, the Daily Mail reports.
In October, Cavallo made history when he came out as gay in an emotional video posted on Instagram.
While some Manly Sea Eagles players will be sporting a pride jersey against the Roosters at Brookvale Oval on Thursday, other players have refused based on religious and cultural exemptions.
The apparent "homophobia" in football is one more reason why most players choose to stay in the closet says, Cavallo.
"Don't assume we are all straight. The lack of 'out' rugby [league] players doesn't mean that they're not playing and competing alongside you,' he said.