Melbourne Victory given $5k fine after gay Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo abused at game

Melbourne Victory has been hit with a $5000 fine after the “completely unacceptable” abuse of openly gay Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo at a game this month.

Melbourne Victory has been slapped with a fine following an investigation into claims Adelaide United player Joshua Cavallo received homophobic abuse during a game this month.

Cavallo, 22, who is openly gay, said he was verbally abused by fans at AAMI Park during his team’s 1-1 draw against Melbourne Victory on Saturday January 8.

Football Australia today announced they had sanctioned Melbourne Victory after “considering the clubs response to the Show Cause Notice”, issuing them with a $5000 fine.

The money would be used by Football Australia to further invest in LGBTQI+ awareness and education initiatives in football.

Football Australia chief executive officer James Johnson said Melbourne Victory had not been sitting on its hands and provided a detailed submission in their investigation.

“We have tens of thousands of spectators attend football stadiums each week in our season. This is a case of a small number of individuals acting in a way that does not reflect the values of our sport,” Mr Johnson said.

Josh Cavallo of the Adelaide United A-League Men's team poses during a portrait session at the Adelaide United Football Club Training Base. Picture: Sarah Reed/Getty Images

“To be clear, the actions of the spectators responsible for using homophobic slurs against Josh Cavallo were completely unacceptable.

“We understand that some individuals were removed from the stadium on the night and we will continue to work with the Club and the Australian Professional Leagues to ensure that they – and any other individual identified as engaging in a discriminatory act like this at a match - are banned from attending future football matches in Australia.

“While we have noted and were pleased with the positive measures undertaken by Melbourne Victory, a sanction reflects the fact clubs are ultimately responsible for the actions of spectators.”

In a statement, Melbourne Victory said the Club was committed to not only fulfilling Football Australia’s measures but taking its own to promote LGBTQI+ awareness and making matches inclusive for everyone.

“Melbourne Victory, the A-leagues, Football Australia and Stadium Management’s investigation into the matter is ongoing,” the statement said.

Cavallo posted to his Instagram account expressing his disappointment in hearing the abuse the day after the match.

A post made on the official account belonging to Adelaide footballer Josh Cavallo, where he announced that he was gay.

“I’m not going to pretend that I didn’t see or hear the homophobic abuse at the game last night,” he said.

“This shouldn’t be acceptable and we need to do more to hold these people accountable.

“Football is a game for everyone no matter … who you are, what colour your skin is or where you come from.”

Cavallo also slammed the social media platform after he received “hateful and hurtful” messages on the platform.

“It’s a sad reality that your platforms are not doing enough to stop these messages,” he said.

Football Australia’s James Johnson thanked Cavallo for his “courage in calling out this unacceptable behaviour”.

“In issuing the sanction Football Australia is warning all participants and fans of the need to work together to ensure everyone can freely participate in our sport regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, ability or disability, cultural or religious background,” he said.

South Australia Police confirmed they had launched an investigation into further claims Cavallo had received threats and abuse regarding his sexuality in recent months.

“In relation to ongoing alleged abuse and threats that the player has received, Western District Detectives have commenced an investigation and are working with the club and player involved,” a police spokesman said.

Originally published as Melbourne Victory given $5k fine after gay Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo abused at game