Josh Cavallo shares vile "you will die" threat as openly gay star hits out
Josh Cavallo, one of just two openly gay top-flight footballers, has shared the vile death threats that he has been sent ever since he came out two years ago.
The Adelaide United star made history in October 2021, when he became the world's first openly gay active top-flight footballer. Since then, Cavallo has frequently spoken out in support of LGBT+ rights around the world and marched at New York Pride.
But the 24-year-old has been forced to deal with continuous homophobic abuse and death threats. The Australian has now published a selection of the sickening threats he has received over that time.
They include messages such as "dirty f***", "you will die", "football is not for f****** gay, it's only real men sport" and "put him in a mental asylum". Along with a screenshot of those messages, Cavallo also demanded social media companies take harsher action against abusers.
"I apologise in advance for the next slide ahead. Please read with caution and contact any life line or support network if you may feel triggered in any way. I share my life via this social media platform to help individuals grow around the world," he said.
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"To feel empowered in their own skin. To be comfortable with the person they wish to be. I’m hand on heart so proud of how much my football club and the LGBTQIA+ community have grown in the world of football but we have to remember there is still a huge amount of work left.
"We are in 2023 and this behaviour can be more harmful than you think. Two years on from my coming out journey and I go through my everyday life being reminded how people wish me dead. To all you social media platforms, all I have to say to you is do better."
The threats come just three weeks after Cavallo issued another message regarding the abuse he receives. The midfielder, who recently returned from a ruptured ACL, admitted the abuse and the significant injury had made it a difficult year.
"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," Cavallo wrote.
"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. 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. 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."
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