An offensive tweet has emerged after five years of a footballer whose team is at the forefront of tackling homophobia.
In 2011 and 2012, Shane Duffy tweeted in a series of tweets calling former X Factor contestant Rylan Clark-Neal a “thing”.
According to the club spokesman,”The club’s stance on homophobia is well known, and we have a zero tolerance approach.”Shane made the posts when he was still a teenager.
He further added,”He has since previously apologised for any offence he may have unwittingly caused. As far as the club is concerned that draws a line under this issue.”
The Brighton and Hove Albion defender was then playing for Everton.
According to human rights campaigner, Peter Tatchell, the tweets are quite old but they are certainly homophobic. It’s totally unacceptable.
He further added, “He does play for a team in one of the most gay cities in Britain, and his team is regularly subjected to homophobic abuse by fans from rival team so you would think Shane… would be very firm in opposing prejudice of any kind, and want to stand with his team mates and the LGBT community in Brighton against homophobia.
“Some people say it’s just banter but there is no excuse for banter that’s racist, misogynistic or homophobic.”