Adelaide: The first gay man to play in the Australian Domestic Football League said he was still at a death threat after his public time of sexual intercourse.
Josh Cavallo, who played for Adelaide United in the A League, told FIFPRO footballers an unfiltered podcast that “in a football world, it’s gay…the players are a very toxic place”.
“Unfortunately, I still think we’re accepted in this space,” he said.
Cavallo, 21, when he decided to come out in 2021, admitted that his video news “shocked the world of football.” He still sees it as the “best move and decision” he made, but warns that it is a mountain with shortcomings.
In the podcast, he asked in words: “Why isn’t anyone coming out and succeeding and playing football?”
“And I know that looking back at all the negative emotions, all the ways, there are multiple, multiple, multiple multiple death threats every day, and it’s still a shame.
Cavalo did not elaborate on the online threat. He continues to train and play football every week.
“I have a very strong support network, I have good days, I have bad days, but I have free time,” he said.
“I went to bed and I put my head on the pillow and I was so happy. I was Josh Cavallo, I was a football player… a gay football player, I’m proud to say that.”
Cavalo told the ABC on Wednesday. He still had positive experiences and they met with people telling him that they were encouraged and inspired by his advocacy.
He said that in his “everyday life” people have approached him, “know who I am, speak to me, say how I guide them, and how I give them the courage to come out in school.”
He added: “On the other hand, it was disturbing to open my social media this morning and reading my comments.”
He said it changed perspectives around the world when his club released his announcement video in 2021, but the sport still has a long way to go and can help eliminate fear of public opposition to other players.
Obviously yes. . . He has influenced a lot of people in the game and has made a lot of progress in the game,” he said of his life story, and I don’t trade for it.
In 2022, he reported gay abuse in a game that he said continued on social media.
I really don’t like showing this because I think it will give fear to those who are thinking about it. “He told ABC. What I did in 2021 is great for myself and the wider LGBTQ+ community, and is great for the wider LGBTQ+ community, but… we’ve been four years now and we’re still here every day (gay abuse).
South Australia Prime Minister Peter Malinauskas, where Adelaide United Club is located, said the sulfuric acid properties faced by Vitriol Cavallo are unacceptable.
He said this illustrates a certain degree of cowardice that exists in the community.
