CNN
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Former Real Madrid and Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas says his Twitter account was hacked after receiving widespread criticism for posting a tweet claiming he was homosexual.
In a now deleted submit on his official Twitter account, Casillas wrote on Sunday: “I hope I’ll be revered: I’m homosexual.”
In response, former Barcelona captain Carles Puyol replied: “The time has come to inform our story, Iker.”
Casillas, who has two youngsters together with his former spouse, deleted the submit shortly after it was despatched and later apologized.
The unique tweet got here amid gossip inside Spanish media which has linked Casillas to a number of ladies since his divorce.
“Hacked account. Fortunately all the things so as. Apologies to all my followers. And naturally, extra apologies to the LGBT neighborhood,” he wrote.
Puyol additionally later apologized in a Twitter post, writing: “I tousled. I apologise for a slipshod joke that wasn’t malicious in any respect however was completely out of order.
“I perceive that I may have damage folks’s emotions. All of my respect and assist for the LGBTIQA+ neighborhood.”
Adelaide United participant Josh Cavallo, who got here out as homosexual final yr, says it was “disappointing” to see two icons of the sport “joking” concerning the subject.
“Joking and making enjoyable out of popping out in soccer is disappointing. It’s a tough journey that any LGBTQ+ ppl must undergo,” Cavallo wrote on Twitter, earlier than Casillas claimed he was hacked.
“To see my function fashions and legends of the sport make enjoyable out of popping out and my neighborhood is past disrespectful.”
Atalanta midfielder Marten de Roon additionally stated the incident highlighted the work that must be achieved to make soccer extra welcoming, after the preliminary posts attracted a number of homophobic feedback.
“Sure, we’re on prime of the league (for now). Extra importantly, social media at this time nonetheless exhibits how removed from actuality we’re,” he tweeted.
“Whether or not Casillas was hacked or not: I see too many posts which are far off. Ready for the day this wouldn’t be information, ‘trigger truly that’s the issue right here.”
There are only a few openly-gay males taking part in skilled soccer and it comes at a time when the game’s governing our bodies say they’re making an attempt to make the sport extra inclusive.
With out referencing Casillas’ tweet straight, the Spanish sports activities council (CSD) posted a tweet on Sunday, displaying its headquarters constructing adorned with rainbow decorations, that learn: “A lot to do, to maneuver ahead, to teach and to lift consciousness. We’ll preserve going.”
