26 November 2023 , 16:36
976
0
The world's only openly gay top-flight footballer has demanded police action after revealing he has been sent "countless and endless" death threats.
Former Australia youth international Josh Cavallo made history when he came out in October 2021. He continues to play for A League side Adelaide United, but has been sidelined since February after rupturing his ACL during a clash with Western Sydney Wanderers.
The midfielder has returned to training as his recovery continues, but has now revealed he has been flooded by death threats due to his sexuality during that time. The 24-year-old branded the threats "vile" and bemoaned the lack of action being taken by the authorities.
"Sometimes in life we are faced with challenges and this year it was my turn. Being absent from football with a long term injury, the outside noise was present and unavoidable amongst this journey," he wrote on Instagram.
"Sadly countless and endless death threats aimed to my everyday life and sexuality due to my football absence. I will never doubt the person I have become and WILL continue to wear who I am proud on my sleeves.
Football celebrates LGBT+ history from Justin Fashanu to Harry Kane's armband
"I hope no one’s son or daughter will ever have to go through this experience. It is beyond vile. It’s so sad there is no one to hold these people accountable. I invest, and I invest a lot in preventing structures and education against homophobia.
Josh Cavallo has hit out at the death threats he has received during his recovery from injury (Getty Images)"For my own generation to the next to not excuse this behaviour. These people need to be criminally punished too. It will be a great step to protect players safety onto the 2026 World Cup.
"To the people that were there endlessly with positivity. Thank you, you beautiful people. I returned back with my team and on the rise for my return. Your love was felt."
Cavallo has continued to face homophobic abuse ever since he came out two years ago. But the Adelaide star has previously insisted that those threats only fuel his desire to improve the world for the next generation of LGBT+ people.
"It's hard at times because it's been nearly two years now and there are still death threats being thrown my way. Is it acceptable? Of course not; it's disgusting. But I know that, to pave the way for others in the world, I have to go through this," he told BBC Sport in March.
"And I know who I'm doing it for, which is the people who are suffering in silence. The thing for me now is yes, you do see the happy story and the positive vibes, which is fantastic. But I can open my phone and see countless messages of death threats.
"But overall, I'm pretty strong. And whenever it happens, I think of the moments where I've had people stopping me and saying how much of an impact I've had on them. So you know what? You can send all the hate and death threats you want my way. I'm not going to change my behaviour."