Player avoids sanction over gay slur

Player avoids sanction over gay slur

An Australian soccer player has avoided disciplinary action after posting a homophobic slur against a referee on Twitter.

On November 5, Adelaide United defender Antony Golec (pictured) attacked referee Ben Williams after he sent off two Melbourne Victory players during a game against the Brisbane Roar.

“Ben Williams you are gay, biggest homo going around, you gypsy,” he wrote on Twitter.

Golec said the comment was meant as a private message to his brother but was mistakenly placed on his public feed.

“As a consequence, the twitter was read by people to whom I never intended to publish what was a private exchange in which I attempted to be humorous,” Golec said in a press conference on Monday.

“I accept without reservation what I did was foolish and that as a consequence Ben Williams has every right to feel insulted and aggrieved.

“I unreservedly apologise to Ben.”

Golec said he had been told “in no uncertain terms” by Adelaide United officials that a further similar transgression would result in his contract being torn up.

“I have also been counselled as to how the misuse of social media can lead to the issues for the club and me personally,” he said.

“The club has told me that it’s up to me to regain the trust and confidence of the squad, I will do that.”

Golec also said he had written to Williams and hoped the referee would accept his apology.

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10 responses to “Player avoids sanction over gay slur”

  1. I have written an email to both the club and the FFA to deman an apology, not for being caught misusing social media but for the real issue of blatant homophobia!

    I hope everyone does the same.

  2. Homophobic yes, but no criticism for the negative term, “Gypsy”? This is racism also people!

  3. An ugly person, inside and out. Anyway, once his “career” is over he will no doubt end up just another bogan in the burbs that nobody will remember for doing anything truly worthwhile.

  4. There should be a ZERO tolerance policy regarding any form of discriminatory comments…..He should be suspended one match. Mistake indeed. BULL. That is the only way these bigots will learn.

  5. There is nothing humourous about homophobia Antony Golec! Your actions and subsequent apology are not acceptable from an Olyroo and senior member of an A-League club. Your comments are offensive and you should have apologised to the gay community as well as Ben Williams. As a gay soccer fan i am appalled and will be personally writing to Ben Buckley, CEO of Football Federation Australia and urge all other interested fans to do the same…